How do you use "may" in a sentence?

It may take longer than expected. May I use your telephone? You may leave when you have finished.

may

Q: What does "may" mean?

Expressing possibility; asking for or giving permission 'May' is a modal verb expressing possibility ('it may rain later') or permission ('may I come in?'). It is more formal than 'can' for permission and more uncertain than 'might' for probability. 'May' also appears in wishes ('may you be happy') and purpose clauses ('so that we may succeed').

Vocabulary Word BritishAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

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Meaning: Expressing possibility; asking for or giving permission

可能，可以

puede que, poder (permiso)

〜かもしれない、〜してもよい

~일지도 모른다, ~해도 좋다

'May' is a modal verb expressing possibility ('it may rain later') or permission ('may I come in?'). It is more formal than 'can' for permission and more uncertain than 'might' for probability. 'May' also appears in wishes ('may you be happy') and purpose clauses ('so that we may succeed').

「may」是情态动词，表示可能性或许可。用于许可时比「can」更正式，表示可能性时比「might」更不确定。「may」也出现在祝愿和目的从句中。

«May» es un verbo modal que expresa posibilidad o permiso. Es más formal que «can» para permiso y más incierto que «might» para probabilidad. «May» también aparece en deseos y cláusulas de propósito.

「may」は可能性や許可を表す法助動詞です。許可の場合は「can」よりフォーマルで、確率の場合は「might」より不確実です。「may」は願いや目的節にも現れます。

'May'는 가능성('it may rain later')이나 허가('may I come in?')를 나타내는 조동사입니다. 허가의 의미로는 'can'보다 격식적이며, 확률의 의미로는 'might'보다 확실합니다. 기원문('may you be happy')이나 목적절('so that we may succeed')에도 사용됩니다.

Examples

It may take longer than expected.
这可能需要比预期更长的时间。
Puede que tarde más de lo esperado.
予想より時間がかかるかもしれない。
예상보다 시간이 더 걸릴 수도 있습니다.
May I use your telephone?
我可以用一下你的电话吗？
¿Puedo usar tu teléfono?
お電話をお借りしてもよろしいですか？
전화기를 사용해도 될까요?
You may leave when you have finished.
你完成后可以离开。
Puedes irte cuando hayas terminado.
終わったら帰ってもいいですよ。
다 끝나면 가셔도 됩니다.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old English 'mæg', present tense of 'magan' (to be able), from Proto-Germanic *maganą. Originally expressed physical ability; the permission and possibility senses developed later. The month 'May' is from a different Latin root.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

may

Examples

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Origin & History

Cultural Context

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