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Expressing 'to permit' with 许 (xǔ)
Permission & Ability
Structure
Subject + 许 + Object/Clause
Explanation
The verb 许 (xǔ) means "to permit" or "to allow," and it also appears in the common adverb 或许 (huòxǔ, "perhaps"). On its own as a verb, it expresses granting permission. In compound forms, it contributes a sense of possibility or allowance.
Examples
这里只许看不许摸，请大家注意。
zhèlǐ zhǐ xǔ kàn bù xǔ mō, qǐng dàjiā zhùyì.
You may only look but not touch here — please pay attention, everyone.
妈妈不许我晚上出去玩。
māma bù xǔ wǒ wǎnshàng chūqù wán.
Mom doesn't allow me to go out at night.
老师只许我们用中文回答问题。
lǎoshī zhǐ xǔ wǒmen yòng Zhōngwén huídá wèntí.
The teacher only allows us to answer questions in Chinese.