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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "let" or "allow" with 让 (ràng) as a verb of permission

    HSK 3
    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    Subject + 让 + Person + Verb

    Explanation

    The verb 让 (ràng) means "to let" or "to allow" and is used when the subject grants permission for someone to do something. It functions as the main verb expressing willingness to permit an action. For example, 妈妈不让我出去 means "Mom won't let me go out."

    Examples

    • 爸爸不让我养狗。

      bàba bú ràng wǒ yǎng gǒu.

      Dad won't let me keep a dog.

    • 老师让我们提前离开了。

      lǎoshī ràng wǒmen tíqián líkāi le.

      The teacher let us leave early.

    • 她不让别人碰她的东西。

      tā bú ràng biérén pèng tā de dōngxi.

      She doesn't let anyone touch her things.