Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
许可(許可)xǔkě(xu3ke3)
许可 (xǔ kě) means to allow or permit something. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal or official documents, to indicate that permission has been granted for a specific action or event.
Frequency#3673DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission often ties back to hierarchical relationships, where permission from a superior is essential before taking action. This reflects the importance of respect in social and professional contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a gatekeeper (the character 许) giving a thumbs up (可) to someone wanting to enter. The thumbs up signifies permission, linking the sound 'xu' with 'allowance' and 'ke' with 'can'. Together, they create a memorable image of being allowed in.
Meanings of 许可
xǔkě(xu3ke3)
1to allow
2to permit
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 许可
许可Simplified
許可Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3673Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 许可
Podcast: 许可
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 许可
Quick Contrast
准许 (zhǔn xǔ) vs 许可 (xǔ kě): Use 许可 when referring to formal permission granted, while 准许 often implies a more general allowance or consent.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a gatekeeper (the character 许) giving a thumbs up (可) to someone wanting to enter. The thumbs up signifies permission, linking the sound 'xu' with 'allowance' and 'ke' with 'can'. Together, they create a memorable image of being allowed in.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 许可 with similar terms like 允许 (yǔn xǔ), which also means 'to permit', but is more general. Remember that 许可 is more formal. Be mindful of tone; the third tone in 许 (xǔ) must be pronounced correctly to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 vocabulary word, 许可 is useful for discussing permissions in official settings. Focus on its usage in contrast with other permission-related terms at this level, such as 允许 and 允许的条件 (conditions for permission).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission often ties back to hierarchical relationships, where permission from a superior is essential before taking action. This reflects the importance of respect in social and professional contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 许可 in overly casual settings, such as among friends, where 允许 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我可以去吗？我需要许可吗？' (Do I need permission?) is too formal for such contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 许可
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 许可 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 许可 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 许可
许可 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我觉得那样做也____以让他们冰释前嫌。
I felt that might well mend the rift between them.
Example Sentences for 许可 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我觉得那样做也许可以让他们冰释前嫌。
wǒ jué dé nà yàng zuò yě xǔ kě yǐ ràng tā mén bīng shì qián xián。
I felt that might well mend the rift between them.
2
他得到指挥官的许可来与我会合。
tā dé dào zhǐ huī guān de xǔ kě lái yǔ wǒ huì hé。
He got permission from his commanding officer to join me.
The majority of foreign nationals working here have work permits.
8
这幅画凭着临时进口许可证被送回了西班牙。
zhè fú huà píng zháo lín shí jìn kǒu xǔ kě zhèng bèi sòng huí le xī bān yá。
The painting was returned to Spain on a temporary import licence.
9
对工作许可证的要求违反了1950年条约的精神。
duì gōng zuò xǔ kě zhèng de yào qiú wéi fǎn le1950 1950 nián tiáo yuē de jīng。
The requirement for work permits violates the spirit of the 1950 treaty.
10
这艘船获得了航行许可。
zhè sōu chuán huò dé le háng háng xǔ kě。
The ship was given the all-clear to sail.
Cultural Notes for 许可
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of permission often ties back to hierarchical relationships, where permission from a superior is essential before taking action. This reflects the importance of respect in social and professional contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 许可
While it technically can be used informally, 许可 is more suited to formal contexts, so it's better to use simpler terms like 允许 in casual conversations.
许可 is typically more formal and used in legal contexts, whereas 允许 is more general and can be used in everyday situations.
You can say, '我得到了许可去参加会议' (I received permission to attend the meeting).
