About
The character "让" originates from its traditional form "讓", which is constructed from the semantic component "言" (speech) and the phonetic component "襄". This structure points to an initial meaning centered on verbal exchange, specifically the act of reproaching or blaming through words. Over time, this meaning softened and broadened significantly, shifting from a confrontational verbal act to the concept of yielding or conceding, often in a social or polite context. This evolved sense of deferring or stepping back naturally extended to the meaning of allowing or permitting someone to do something. The modern simplified form "让" replaced the complex phonetic element with "上" (above), creating a more intuitive character that suggests the idea of putting another person above oneself, which aligns well with its core meanings of yielding and permitting.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
请让我帮助你。
妈妈让我回家。
老师让学生读书。
你能让我过去吗？
这件事让我很高兴。
他总是不让别人说话。
如果你让我决定，我会选择离开。
他的行为让所有人都感到失望。