Permítanme

Permítanme is a Spanish phrase used to request permission from a group of people. It combines the verb permitir in the second-person plural imperative form with the clitic pronoun me, yielding a literal meaning of “let me” or “allow me.” It is commonly employed when addressing multiple interlocutors (typically ustedes in Latin America and most of the Spanish-speaking world) in formal or courteous contexts.

In grammar, permítan is the ustedes imperative form of permitir, and the attachment of me creates permítanme. The pronoun me indicates that the speaker is the one seeking permission. In affirmative commands, pronouns attach to the verb (Permítanme, Permítanme presentarles…); in negative commands, the pronoun precedes the verb (No me permitan…).

Common uses include introductory phrases in speeches or meetings, such as presenting an idea, making an observation, or introducing someone: Permítanme señalar que… / Permítanme presentarles a… / Permítanme hacer una aclaración. The form underscores politeness and respect, and it is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, though the preference for formal address may vary by country.

Related forms exist for other grammatical persons: tú affirmative is Permíteme; usted is Permítame; nosotros would use a form like Permítannos (or the more common nosotros form with subjunctive: permitámosnos). The choice among these forms reflects degree of formality, number of interlocutors, and the desired sense of inclusion or distance in a given speech.

Originates from the verb permitir (to permit), itself from Latin permittere, combining per- (through, completely) with mittere (to send). Permítanme thus sits at the intersection of request, politeness, and assertive introduction in Spanish discourse.