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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to allow" or "to be about to" with 准 (zhǔn)

    Permission & Ability
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    准 + Verb

    Explanation

    The verb 准 (zhǔn) can mean "to allow," "to permit," or "to be about to." It appears in various contexts including formal permission and describing imminent actions. For example, 正准落 means "is about to land."

    Examples

    • 老师准我们提前离开教室。

      Lǎoshī zhǔn wǒmen tíqián líkāi jiàoshì.

      The teacher allowed us to leave the classroom early.

    • 飞机正准备降落，请系好安全带。

      Fēijī zhèng zhǔnbèi jiàngluò, qǐng jì hǎo ānquándài.

      The plane is preparing to land; please fasten your seatbelts.

    • 这件事没有经理批准，谁都不准做。

      Zhè jiàn shì méiyǒu jīnglǐ pīzhǔn, shéi dōu bù zhǔn zuò.

      Without the manager's approval, no one is allowed to do this.

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