Understanding modal verbs is really important when learning Russian, especially when we talk about permission. Two common verbs that show permission are "позволить" and "разрешить." They might look similar, but they mean different things and are used in different ways.

Basic Definitions

1. Позволить:

   • This means "to allow" in English. It suggests that someone gives permission because they are in charge or because they said yes to a request.
   • It can show personal choice, meaning the person has some freedom to allow something.

2. Разрешить:

   • This means "to permit" or "to authorize." It usually means giving formal permission and is often about official situations.
   • It shows that permission needs to be granted by someone in authority.

Comparison Examples

Let’s see how to use each verb in a sentence:

1. Examples for "позволить":

   • Я позволю тебе взять мою книгу. (I will allow you to take my book.)
     • Here, "позволить" shows a personal choice to let someone take something without needing any official rules.
   • Мама позволила мне остаться на вечеринке подольше. (Mom allowed me to stay at the party longer.)
     • This sentence shows that Mom decided to let her child stay longer at the party.

2. Examples for "разрешить":

   • Профессор разрешил студентам опоздать на экзамен. (The professor permitted the students to be late for the exam.)
     • Here, "разрешить" means the professor, who is in charge, gave formal permission in an important situation.
   • У нас нет разрешения на проведение митинга. (We do not have permission to hold the rally.)
     • This shows that to hold a rally, you need official approval, which you don’t have.

Key Differences

Knowing when to use each verb helps you choose the right one:

• Authority Role: If someone in charge is giving permission, "разрешить" is usually the best choice.
• Personal Choice: If it’s about someone’s own choice, "позволить" is usually the right option.

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with "позволить" or "разрешить" based on what fits best:

1. Доктор не __________ мне выходить на улицу после операции.
2. Мужчина __________ своей жене решать, куда поехать в отпуск.
3. В школе не __________ носить телефоны на уроках.
4. Я __________ своему другу остаться у меня на выходные.

Answers:

1. разрешил
2. позволил
3. разрешают
4. позволил

Conclusion

Learning the small differences between "позволить" and "разрешить" will help you use Russian correctly and talk about permission better. Practicing these differences will also improve your understanding of the Russian language!