ràng: 让 - To Let, Allow, Make, Yield

Keywords: ràng, 让, let, allow, make, Chinese grammar, Chinese verb, causative verb, passive voice in Chinese, HSK 2, learn Chinese, what does rang mean, how to use rang in Chinese, yield, give way.

Summary: “让” (ràng) is one of the most versatile and essential verbs in Mandarin Chinese. For beginners, it's crucial to understand that it means more than just “to let” or “to allow.” It's a powerful causative verb used to express “to make” someone do something or feel a certain way. Furthermore, “让” is used to mean “to yield” or “give way,” reflecting important cultural values, and can even function to create a passive-like sentence structure. Mastering “让” (ràng) is a key step to sounding more natural in everyday Chinese conversation.

Pinyin (with tone marks): ràng

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 2

Concise Definition: A versatile verb used to express permission (to let), causation (to make/cause), or yielding (to give way).

In a Nutshell: Think of “让” (ràng) as the “influence” verb. It's used whenever one person, thing, or situation influences another to do something, feel something, or change their state. If you want to say your mom lets you go out, the news makes you sad, or you need to ask someone to let you pass, “让” is the word you need. It's all about cause and effect.

In essence, the character combines “speech” with an action of yielding or transferring. You can think of it as “using words (or actions) to allow or cause something to happen.”

“让” (ràng) is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, particularly through the concept of 谦让 (qiānràng) - modesty and yielding. While Western cultures often emphasize assertiveness and “standing your ground,” traditional Chinese values often prioritize group harmony and respect over individual needs.

A classic example is yielding in a minor conflict. Instead of arguing over who was first, it's common and virtuous to “让” the other person go ahead. This is not seen as weakness but as a sign of magnanimity and social grace. This contrasts with the Western idea of “fighting for your rights” in a similar situation.

This concept is taught from childhood, famously through the story of 孔融让梨 (Kǒng Róng ràng lí) - “Kong Rong gives up the bigger pear.” In the story, a young boy named Kong Rong chooses the smallest pear for himself, letting his older and younger brothers have the larger ones, demonstrating respect for elders and care for the young. This act of “让” is a cornerstone of moral education.

“让” is incredibly common in daily life. Its meaning shifts based on context.

叫 (jiào) - A verb that can also mean to ask/tell someone to do something, but is often more direct or commanding than 让.

使 (shǐ) - A more formal, literary causative verb for “to make” or “to cause,” often used in writing.

被 (bèi) - The primary passive voice marker in Chinese, often used for negative events.

允许 (yǔnxǔ) - A formal verb meaning “to permit” or “to allow.” It is a more formal synonym for one of a 让's key meanings.

请 (qǐng) - To please, to request, to invite. Used for polite requests, sometimes in situations where one could also use 让 (e.g., `请让一下` - Please make way).

谦让 (qiānràng) - To be modest and yield. A core cultural virtue directly involving the concept of 让.

让步 (ràngbù) - To make a concession, to compromise. A specific application of “yielding.”

让座 (ràngzuò) - To give up one's seat to someone. A common, practical action embodying the spirit of 让.

转让 (zhuǎnràng) - To transfer ownership, to assign. A legal or commercial term for “yielding” control of property.