About
许 is the simplified form of 許, a phono-semantic compound: the radical 讠 (from 言 'speech') indicates the meaning relates to verbal communication, and 午 (wǔ) gives the sound. Its earliest sense was verbal agreement or consent, making a promise. This core idea of vocal assent broadened to allowing or permitting an action. Later, the character developed adverbial uses expressing possibility or approximation, as in 'perhaps', 'maybe', or 'approximately'.
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Example Sentences Hide
许多人在公园里。
也许明天会下雨。
妈妈允许我看电视。
我向你许下一个承诺。
申请许可证需要时间。
他们不许外人进入。
他许愿希望家人健康。
小说里的人物是虚构的，请勿对号入座。
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