Definition
许 (xǔ) has two main uses: as a verb meaning 'to allow/permit' (similar to 允许, but 许 can also mean 'to promise') and as an adverb meaning 'perhaps, maybe' (similar to 也许, but 也许 is more common in everyday speech).
verb
to allowto permitto promise
adverb
perhapsmaybe
Easily confused
- 计jìlook-alike(verb) to calculate, to count; to count; to plan
- 需xūsound-aliketo need, to require
- 须xūsound-alikemust, have to (formal, literary)
- 虚xūsound-alike(adjective) empty; void; unoccupied
- 续xùsound-aliketo continue (a contract, subscription, or membership)
- 序xùsound-alike(bound form) order; sequence
Examples
- 。Lǎoshī bù xǔ xuéshēng zài jiàoshì lǐ chī dōngxi.The teacher doesn't allow students to eat in the classroom.
- 。Tā xǔ nuò míngtiān yìqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng.He promised to go watch a movie together tomorrow.
- 。Tā yě xǔ bú huì lái le.He perhaps won't come.
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