About
The character 许 (trad. 許) is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component is the speech radical 言 (yán), simplified as 讠, indicating a connection to verbal communication. The phonetic component is 午 (wǔ), which suggests its pronunciation. Originally, the character meant to give verbal consent or make a promise. This core sense of vocalized agreement naturally extended to mean to allow, permit, or authorize. It also developed an adverbial use to express probability or approximation, conveying meanings like "perhaps" or "about".
Etymology Hide
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。