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March 24, 2026
许(許)Xǔ(Xu3)
The character 许 (xǔ) primarily means 'to allow' or 'to permit.' It is often used in contexts where consent or permission is required, such as asking for permission to do something. Additionally, it can denote making a promise or commitment, which adds a nuance of trust and obligation to its meaning.
Strokes6Radical讠Frequency#2249DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, granting permission is often tied to respect and hierarchy. For example, it is customary to seek permission from elders or superiors before making decisions, reflecting the value placed on authority and social order.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at a door, holding a sign that says '许可' (permission) while another person is waiting to enter. The '许' character resembles a person with arms wide open, symbolizing the act of granting permission. You can remember its pronunciation by associating '许' with 'sure,' as in being sure to allow something.
Meanings of 许
Xǔ(Xu3)
1to allow
2to permit
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 许
许Simplified
許Traditional
6Strokes
讠Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#2249Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 许
Podcast: 许
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AI Study Notes for 许
Quick Contrast
允许 (yǔn xǔ) vs 允许 (yǔn xǔ): 许 is more about the act of allowing or permitting, while 允许 emphasizes the formal granting of permission.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 许 with similar-sounding characters like 需 (xū), which means 'to need.' 许 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in spoken language when asking for permission. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 许 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels, it is important for HSK 3 and 4 learners as it relates to making promises and expressing permissions, which are common conversation topics. Focus on its usage in daily dialogues about agreements and permissions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 许 with 需 (xū) due to their similar pronunciations. For example, saying '我需你去' instead of '我许你去' can lead to misunderstandings, as it changes the meaning from 'I need you to go' to an incorrect usage of permission.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 许
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How Well Do You Know 许?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 许 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
许 = 讠 + 午. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 许
IDS Structure⿰讠午
许Full Character
=
讠yan2
left
午wu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 许?
How to say to allow in Chinese
“to allow” in Chinese is许Xǔ
The character 许 (xǔ) primarily means 'to allow' or 'to permit.' It is often used in contexts where consent or permission is required, such as asking for permission to do something. Additionally, it can denote making a promise or commitment, which adds a nuance of trust and obligation to its meaning.
When to use 许
Common mistakes include confusing 许 with similar-sounding characters like 需 (xū), which means 'to need.' 许 is generally used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in spoken language when asking for permission. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
许 or something close to it
允许 (yǔn xǔ) vs 允许 (yǔn xǔ): 许 is more about the act of allowing or permitting, while 允许 emphasizes the formal granting of permission.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 许 with 需 (xū) due to their similar pronunciations. For example, saying '我需你去' instead of '我许你去' can lead to misunderstandings, as it changes the meaning from 'I need you to go' to an incorrect usage of permission.
Write 许
许
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Grammar Patterns of 许
许 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
Many of the cars you will see at auction are repossessions.
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Cultural Notes for 许
💡Did you know?
The character 许 (Xǔ) is often used in legal and formal contexts in China. It signifies permission and agreements, reflecting the importance of trust and commitment in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 许
Compounds1
浒hu3shore, river bank
Words Containing This Character20
也许yěxǔperhaps也許
许多xǔduōmany許多
或许huòxǔperhaps或許
允许yǔnxǔto permit允許
许Xǔto allow許
不许bùxǔnot to allow不許
许可xǔkěto allow許可
许可证xǔkězhènglicense許可證
少许a little少許
特许license特許
许愿to make a wish許願
许久for ages許久
些许a few些許
许诺promise許諾
容许róngxǔto permit容許
准许zhǔnxǔto allow准許
许下to make a promise許下
赞许zànxǔto praise讚許
默许acquiescence默許
兴许perhaps興許
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 许
What does 浒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 许
Yes, 许 (Xǔ) is a common Chinese surname. It ranks among the top surnames in China, and many notable figures in history and contemporary society bear this surname.
许 (xǔ) has several meanings in Chinese. It can mean 'to permit' or 'to allow', as well as 'to promise' or 'to praise'. Additionally, it can imply 'somewhat' or 'perhaps' in certain contexts.
You can use 许 in a sentence to express permission or a promise. For example, you might say 许我去 (xǔ wǒ qù), meaning 'allow me to go'. In a context of uncertainty, you could use it to say 许是这样 (xǔ shì zhèyàng), which translates to 'perhaps it's like this'.
You can use 许 to grant permission, for example: '我可以去吗？' (Wǒ kěyǐ qù ma?) translates to 'Can I go?' and you could respond, '可以，许你去。' (Kěyǐ, xǔ nǐ qù.) meaning 'Yes, I allow you to go.'
No, 许 can also be a surname, Xu, and is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin.
While both mean 'to allow,' 允许 (yǔnxǔ) is more formal and often used in written contexts, whereas 许 is more casual.
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