让 (ràng) — to let; to allow; to make (sb do sth); (preposition) by (marks the agent in a passive construction, colloquial)
Definition
让 (ràng) is the everyday "let / make / allow" — softer than the formal 允许 or 许可. As a preposition it marks the agent in a casual passive, like 被 but more colloquial.
verb
to letto allowto make (sb do sth)
preposition
by (marks the agent in a passive construction, colloquial)
Examples
- 让。Mā ma ràng wǒ chī píng guǒ.Mom let me eat an apple.
- 让。Tā de huà ràng wǒ hěn gāo xìng.His words made me very happy.
- 让。Wǒ de miàn bāo ràng tā chī le.My bread was eaten by him.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 讓; 让 is its simplified writing.
The traditional form 讓 combines 言, showing speech, with 襄, giving the sound; the evidence links it to criticizing or reproaching. The simplified 让 is a later shorthand.
Grammar
Appears in
Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.