Translation guide
The English word 'permit' can be a verb (to allow) or a noun (an official document). This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents organized by meaning.
写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Can I take photos?
許可証が必要です。
You need a permit.
Expressing permission or allowance for an action.
A common, casual-to-polite way to give permission. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですよ。
You may take photos here.
帰ってもいい？
Can I go home?
Formal verb meaning 'to permit' or 'to authorize'. Used in official or written contexts.
市が建設を許可した。
The city permitted the construction.
Can mean 'to permit', but often carries a nuance of forgiveness or tolerance. Use with care.
Often means 'to forgive' rather than simply 'to permit'. Not a direct substitute for 'permit' in all cases.
彼は遅刻を許してくれなかった。
He didn't permit me to be late. (He didn't forgive my lateness.)
Used when the speaker permits someone to do something as a favor. Can sound condescending if overused.
子供にゲームをさせてあげた。
I let the child play games (permitted them to).
Describing a condition or situation that allows something to happen.
Literally 'make ~ possible'. A natural way to express that something enables or permits an outcome.
この技術は遠隔操作を可能にする。
This technology permits remote control.
A longer but clear pattern meaning 'to make it so that one can do ~'.
新しいシステムはデータの共有を簡単にできるようにする。
The new system permits easy sharing of data.
Referring to a physical or digital permit, license, or pass.
General term for a permit or license document.
駐車許可証を見せてください。
Please show your parking permit.
Specifically a license, like a driver's license. Often used for permits that certify a skill.
Similar to 許可証, but often used for written permissions in formal contexts.
入国許可書が必要です。
An entry permit is required.
The verb 許す often means 'to forgive' or 'to tolerate'. Using it for simple permission can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Stick to 〜てもいい or 許可する for most cases.
先生は私が早退するのを許してくれた。
The teacher permitted me to leave early. (But sounds like 'forgave me for leaving early'.)
許可証 is a general permit (e.g., parking, construction). 免許証 is a license that certifies qualification (e.g., driver's license, teaching license). Use 免許証 for official certifications.
ここは禁煙です。
Smoking is not permitted here.
Natural Japanese uses a noun phrase (禁煙) rather than a direct translation of 'not permitted'.
自己紹介させてください。
Permit me to introduce myself.
A polite request pattern, not a direct translation of 'permit me'.
運転免許証を取った。
I got a driver's license (driving permit).