许

• Pinyin: xǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 许 = 讠(speech) + 午 (phonetic, to promise or permit)

Meaning

To permit; to promise; somewhat; perhaps. As an adverb, approximately or maybe.

A versatile word meaning to allow, to make a promise, or as an adverb indicating approximation or possibility. Also appears in compounds like 许多 (many) and 或许 (perhaps).

Examples

1. 老师不许学生在课堂上使用手机。 The teacher doesn’t allow students to use their phones in class.
2. 他许下了一个美好的愿望。 He made a wonderful wish.
3. 他年纪许是五十上下。 He’s probably around fifty years old.

Usage Guide

Context: permission, promises, estimation

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 这里不许停车。(Parking is not permitted here.)
• 她许过他婚后会照顾好家庭。(She promised him she would take care of the family after marriage.)

Don't Say

• 我很许这样 — 许 needs an object for permission or a context for approximation; rephrase

Origin & History

许 = 言 (speech) + 午 (noon, phonetic)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal