允许

Put the person giving permission first. Then add 允许. Finally, add the action being allowed. For example: 老师允许我回家 (The teacher allowed me to go home). It works perfectly in both speech and writing. You can also use it for inanimate things. A schedule might 允许 a quick coffee break if you are lucky.

Use it when there is a clear boundary or rule. It is great for workplace emails. It is perfect for asking about house rules. Use it when discussing laws or official policies. If you are at a museum, look for this word on signs. It sounds polite and clear. It avoids the ambiguity of just saying 'okay.'

Do not use it for casual favors between best friends. Saying 允许我喝你的可乐 (Allow me to drink your cola) sounds like you are a robot. For friends, just use 可以 (kěyǐ). Avoid it in highly emotional, romantic settings. It is too clinical for 'Allow me to love you.' That sounds like a legal contract, not a poem.

In Chinese culture, hierarchy and rules matter. 允许 often implies a power dynamic. The person 'allowing' usually has some authority. However, modern usage is softening. It is now common in tech, like 'Allow notifications.' It reflects a society balancing tradition with digital-age terminology.

不允许 is the common way to say 'forbidden.' It is softer than 'prohibited' but firmer than 'no.' You might also see 许可 (xǔkě) in very official documents. For a quick 'yes' from a parent, they might just say 准了 (zhǔn le) for a funny, imperial vibe.