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March 24, 2026
允许(允許)yǔnxǔ(yun3xu3)
允许 means 'to permit' or 'to allow' and is used in contexts where someone gives permission for an action to take place. It can also imply acceptance of a situation or condition, and is often used in both formal and informal settings.
Frequency#1095DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often tied to respect for authority and hierarchy, making 允许 a common term in workplaces and educational settings where permission is frequently required.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'yun' (云) cloud that 'xu' (需) needs to float freely in the sky. The cloud represents the idea of freedom and permission, while the sound of 'yun' connects to 'allowing' it to soar.
Meanings of 允许
yǔnxǔ(yun3xu3)
1to permit
2to allow
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About 允许
允许Simplified
允許Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1095Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 允许
Podcast: 允许
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AI Study Notes for 允许
Quick Contrast
准许 (zhǔnxǔ) - use 允许 when the focus is on general permission rather than formal authorization.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'yun' (云) cloud that 'xu' (需) needs to float freely in the sky. The cloud represents the idea of freedom and permission, while the sound of 'yun' connects to 'allowing' it to soar.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 允许 is pronounced with the third tone (yun3 xu3). It's often used in formal contexts, such as legal permissions, but can also appear in everyday conversations. Common phrases include 允许我 (allow me) and 允许你 (allow you).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 允许 connects well with other verbs like 说 (to say) and 做 (to do), as it often appears in sentences requiring explanations or permissions. Students should practice using it in various sentence structures.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often tied to respect for authority and hierarchy, making 允许 a common term in workplaces and educational settings where permission is frequently required.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 允许 with 需要 (to need). For example, saying '我需要允许你去' (I need to allow you to go) is incorrect; it should be '我允许你去' (I allow you to go).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 允许
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Grammar Patterns of 允许
允许 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Whether the authorities will allow inspection is highly doubtful.
Cultural Notes for 允许
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission is often tied to respect for authority and hierarchy, making 允许 a common term in workplaces and educational settings where permission is frequently required.
Frequently Asked Questions about 允许
Yes, while 允许 is often used in formal situations, it can also be used informally when discussing permissions.
While both mean 'to allow', 许可 is more formal and often used in legal contexts, whereas 允许 is more general.