允

yǔn

儿 + 厶

Definitions

yǔn (verb) to permit; to allow

yǔn (adjective) fair; just

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 㠯 represents the sound and 人 represents the meaning.

About

The character 允 is a phonosemantic compound, with 㠯 (yǐ) representing the sound and 人 (rén) 'person' (written as 儿) representing the meaning. The combination originally signified a person uttering words of assent, giving the character its basic senses of to permit, to consent, and to grant. Because granting permission fairly demands sound judgment, the meaning naturally extended to describe a person's character as just, appropriate, and equitable, especially in administrative or interpersonal dealings.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

请允许我帮助你。

Qǐng yǔnxǔ wǒ bāngzhù nǐ.

Please allow me to help you.

老师不允许我们说话。

Lǎoshī bù yǔnxǔ wǒmen shuōhuà.

The teacher does not allow us to talk.

他允诺明天会来。

Tā yǔnnuò míngtiān huì lái.

He promised that he will come tomorrow.

这个决定非常公允。

Zhège juédìng fēicháng gōngyǔn.

This decision is very fair.

如果天气允许，我们就去公园。

Rúguǒ tiānqì yǔnxǔ, wǒmen jiù qù gōngyuán.

If the weather permits, we will go to the park.

公司允准了我的假期申请。

Gōngsī yǔnzhǔnle wǒ de jiàqī shēnqǐng.

The company approved my vacation application.

他的处理方式允当得体。

Tā de chǔlǐ fāngshì yǔndàng détǐ.

His way of handling it is appropriate and proper.

鉴于他的表现，学校允许他提前毕业，这体现了公允的原则。

Jiànyú tā de biǎoxiàn, xuéxiào yǔnxǔ tā tíqián bìyè, zhè tǐxiànle gōngyǔn de yuánzé.

Given his performance, the school allows him to graduate early, which reflects the principle of fairness.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 儿

Component: 厶

Example Words