разрешать vs разрешить
razreshat' vs razreshit' — allow generally vs permit once
Register: neutral
What it really means
Разрешать means allow as a rule, habit, or ongoing consideration. Разрешить means grant permission or solve a matter once and completely.
For permission, use a dative person plus an infinitive or a noun in the accusative.
Examples in natural speech
Здесь разрешают фотографировать.
Photography is allowed here.
Родители не разрешают мне поздно гулять.
My parents do not allow me to stay out late.
Можно разрешать детям выбирать?
Can children be allowed to choose?
Начальник разрешил нам уйти раньше.
The boss allowed us to leave early.
Разрешите войти?
May I come in?
Common mistakes
Do not use разрешить for a standing rule when разрешать is intended. Note that Разрешите? is a polite fixed request.
Memory tip
Разрешать describes permission policy; разрешить grants it once.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask permission politely?
Say Разрешите...? or Можно...?
What case names the person allowed?
Dative: разрешить мне.
Can разрешить mean solve?
Yes, for a problem or dispute.
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