不许

• Pinyin: bù xǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (not) + 许 (permit, allow)

Meaning

Not allowed; must not; forbidden.

A direct prohibition stronger than 不要. Often used by authority figures (parents, teachers, supervisors) or in rules and regulations. Can sound commanding or stern.

Examples

1. 这里是禁烟区，不许吸烟。 This is a no-smoking area — smoking is not allowed.
2. 妈妈不许我晚上出去玩。 Mom doesn't allow me to go out at night.
3. 考试期间不许使用手机。 Using mobile phones is not permitted during the exam.

Usage Guide

Context: rules, parenting, authority

Tone: commanding

Do Say

• 图书馆里不许大声说话。(Loud talking is not allowed in the library.)
• 不许动！(Don't move!/Freeze!)

Don't Say

• 对长辈说'不许'——这是上对下的用语，对长辈应该用更委婉的表达 (Don't say 不许 to elders — it's used by superiors to subordinates; use softer expressions with elders)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) + 许 (permit/allow), meaning 'not permitted.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal