允许

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yǔnxǔ: 允许 - To Permit, To Allow

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: yunxu, yǔnxǔ, 允许, how to say allow in Chinese, how to say permit in Chinese, permission in Chinese, Chinese word for allow, to grant permission, 可以 vs 允许, 同意 vs 允许, HSK 4 grammar.
  • Summary: The Chinese verb 允许 (yǔnxǔ) means “to permit” or “to allow.” It's a formal term used when someone with authority (like a parent, boss, or the government) grants official permission. Understanding yǔnxǔ is key to navigating formal situations and hierarchical relationships in China, distinguishing it from the more casual “can” or “may” expressed by 可以 (kěyǐ). This page will break down its meaning, cultural context, and practical use with clear examples.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): yǔnxǔ
  • Part of Speech: Verb
  • HSK Level: HSK 4
  • Concise Definition: To grant permission or authorization for something.
  • In a Nutshell: Think of 允许 (yǔnxǔ) as the “official permission” word. It's not a casual “sure, go ahead” between friends. Instead, it implies a power dynamic: a rule is being followed, or someone in a higher position is giving a green light. You'll see it on signs, in company policies, and hear it from parents and teachers.

Character Breakdown

  • 允 (yǔn): This character means “to consent” or “to agree.” It depicts a person bowing, signifying agreement or acceptance.
  • 许 (xǔ): This character means “to allow,” “to permit,” or even “to praise.” It's composed of the “speech” radical (言) on the left and a phonetic component (午) on the right. Together, they suggest “giving verbal approval.”
  • When combined, 允许 (yǔnxǔ) literally means “to consent and allow.” This pairing creates a strong, formal word that emphasizes the act of officially granting permission.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, hierarchy and respect for authority are significant social values. The word 允许 (yǔnxǔ) perfectly reflects this. Permission isn't always assumed; it often needs to be explicitly granted by a person or entity in a superior position—be it a parent, a teacher, a manager, or a government regulation.
  • Comparison to Western Culture: In English, “allow” can be used very broadly. A friend might “allow” you to borrow a book, which is a very casual usage. In Chinese, using 允许 (yǔnxǔ) in that peer-to-peer context would sound strangely formal and create an unnecessary power distance. The existence of a common, formal word like 允许 highlights a cultural tendency to be more conscious of who has the authority to grant permission in any given situation. It's tied to the idea of following rules (规矩 - guīju) and respecting the established order.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • Formal and Official Contexts: This is the most common use. You will find 允许 on public signs, in written rules, and in legal or corporate documents.
    • Example: 公园内不允许野餐。 (Gōngyuán nèi bù yǔnxǔ yěcān.) - Picnicking is not permitted inside the park.
  • Hierarchical Relationships: It is used frequently when someone in a position of authority gives or denies permission.
    • Parent to Child: 妈妈不允许我天黑后出门。 (Māma bù yǔnxǔ wǒ tiān hēi hòu chūmén.) - Mom doesn't allow me to go out after dark.
    • Boss to Employee: 老板允许我明天请假。 (Lǎobǎn yǔnxǔ wǒ míngtiān qǐngjià.) - The boss permitted me to take a day off tomorrow.
  • Figurative or Abstract Use: It can also be used when a situation, condition, or even one's own principles “permit” or “do not permit” an action.
    • Example: 如果时间允许，我想去看看长城。 (Rúguǒ shíjiān yǔnxǔ, wǒ xiǎng qù kànkan Chángchéng.) - If time permits, I'd like to go see the Great Wall.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 这里不允许吸烟。
    • Pinyin: Zhèlǐ bù yǔnxǔ xīyān.
    • English: Smoking is not permitted here.
    • Analysis: A very common and direct use of the word, often seen on public signs. It states a clear, official rule.
  • Example 2:
    • 医生允许他出院了。
    • Pinyin: Yīshēng yǔnxǔ tā chūyuàn le.
    • English: The doctor allowed him to be discharged from the hospital.
    • Analysis: The doctor is the authority figure whose professional judgment grants permission for the patient to leave.
  • Example 3:
    • 公司规定，工作时间不允许接打私人电话。
    • Pinyin: Gōngsī guīdìng, gōngzuò shíjiān bù yǔnxǔ jiē dǎ sīrén diànhuà.
    • English: Company regulations state that making or receiving personal calls during work hours is not permitted.
    • Analysis: This shows 允许 used in the context of a formal policy or regulation (规定 - guīdìng).
  • Example 4:
    • 如果情况允许，我们会尽快完成这个项目。
    • Pinyin: Rúguǒ qíngkuàng yǔnxǔ, wǒmen huì jǐnkuài wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.
    • English: If the situation permits, we will finish this project as soon as possible.
    • Analysis: This is a great example of the abstract usage. “The situation” is personified as the authority that grants the possibility of action.
  • Example 5:
    • 你必须得到父母的允许才能参加这次旅行。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ bìxū dédào fùmǔ de yǔnxǔ cái néng cānjiā zhè cì lǚxíng.
    • English: You must get your parents' permission to be able to join this trip.
    • Analysis: Here, 允许 acts as a noun (“permission”). It highlights the need to obtain formal consent from an authority (parents).
  • Example 6:
    • 我的自尊心不允许我向他求助。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ de zìzūnxīn bù yǔnxǔ wǒ xiàng tā qiúzhù.
    • English: My self-respect doesn't allow me to ask him for help.
    • Analysis: Another figurative use. A personal principle (“self-respect”) is the abstract authority that forbids an action.
  • Example 7:
    • 在我们家，不允许在饭桌上看手机。
    • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen jiā, bù yǔnxǔ zài fànzhuō shàng kàn shǒujī.
    • English: In our family, looking at your phone at the dinner table is not allowed.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates 允许 in the context of a household rule, typically set by the parents.
  • Example 8:
    • 请问，这里允许拍照吗？
    • Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, zhèlǐ yǔnxǔ pāizhào ma?
    • English: Excuse me, is photography permitted here?
    • Analysis: This is a polite way to ask about the rules of a place (like a museum or temple). It shows you are asking about the official policy, not just a person's preference.
  • Example 9:
    • 只要时间允许，我一定会来。
    • Pinyin: Zhǐyào shíjiān yǔnxǔ, wǒ yīdìng huì lái.
    • English: As long as time permits, I will definitely come.
    • Analysis: A common structure (只要…就…). “Time” is the condition that needs to be met. This is a very natural and common phrase in daily life.
  • Example 10:
    • 未经允许，请勿进入。
    • Pinyin: Wèijīng yǔnxǔ, qǐng wù jìnrù.
    • English: Please do not enter without permission.
    • Analysis: A very formal and written phrase you might see on a door to a private office or restricted area. 未经 (wèijīng) means “without having…” and is also quite formal.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • `允许 (yǔnxǔ)` vs. `可以 (kěyǐ)`: This is the most important distinction for learners.
    • 允许 (yǔnxǔ): Permission from authority; formal.
    • 可以 (kěyǐ): General possibility, capability, or informal permission.
    • Mistake: Asking a friend, “你允许我用一下你的笔吗？” (Nǐ yǔnxǔ wǒ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?). This sounds overly dramatic and formal.
    • Correct: 我可以用一下你的笔吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?) - Can I use your pen for a second?
    • When to use 允许: 学校不允许学生染发。 (Xuéxiào bù yǔnxǔ xuéshēng rǎnfà.) - The school does not permit students to dye their hair. (Here, 可以 would sound too weak, as this is a firm rule.)
  • `允许 (yǔnxǔ)` vs. `同意 (tóngyì)`:
    • 允许 (yǔnxǔ) focuses on granting permission (a top-down action).
    • 同意 (tóngyì) means “to agree” or “to consent,” focusing on alignment of opinion or will.
    • Example: You would say 我同意你的看法 (Wǒ tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ - “I agree with your viewpoint”), but you would never say “我允许你的看法”.
    • Overlap: In some cases, they are interchangeable, but with a slight difference in focus.
      • 爸爸允许我买电脑了。 (Bàba yǔnxǔ wǒ mǎi diànnǎo le.) - Dad permitted me to buy a computer. (Focus on the permission.)
      • 爸爸同意我买电脑了。 (Bàba tóngyì wǒ mǎi diànnǎo le.) - Dad agreed to me buying a computer. (Focus on his consent/agreement with the idea.)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 可以 (kěyǐ) - A more general and informal word for “can,” “may,” or “to be allowed.” It's the default for casual permission.
  • 同意 (tóngyì) - To agree; to consent. Focuses on sharing an opinion or agreeing to a request, rather than a formal granting of permission from a position of authority.
  • 批准 (pīzhǔn) - To approve; to ratify. This is even more formal than 允许 and is used for officially approving applications, budgets, or plans.
  • 准许 (zhǔnxǔ) - A very close synonym for 允许, often used in formal or written contexts. It can sound slightly more official.
  • 禁止 (jìnzhǐ) - The direct antonym: to prohibit; to forbid. This is a strong, official term often seen on signs.
  • 许可 (xǔkě) - The noun form: a “permit” or “license.” For example, a 驾驶许可 (jiàshǐ xǔkě) is a driver's license/permit.
  • 让 (ràng) - A highly versatile verb that can mean “to let” or “to allow” in a very casual sense. E.g., 他让我用他的车。 (Tā ràng wǒ yòng tā de chē.) - He let me use his car.