允许
父母允许我晚上出去。
My parents allow me to go out at night.
To permit or give permission for someone to do something.
老师允许学生提问。
The teacher allows students to ask questions.
公司允许远程工作。
The company allows remote work.
Used in formal and informal contexts. Often followed by a verb phrase indicating the permitted action.
Pro Tip
Common Structure
The structure is typically 'Subject + 允许 + Object + Verb Phrase.' The verb phrase often uses the pattern 'to [action]' in English.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
允许 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For stronger permission, '准许' (zhǔn xǔ) is more formal, while '容许' (róng xǔ) is more permissive.
Word Origin
The character '允' means 'to agree' or 'to permit,' and '许' means 'to allow' or 'to promise.' Together, they form a compound verb emphasizing permission or consent.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. Often followed by a verb phrase without 'to' in English (e.g., 允许我离开 → allow me to leave).