设置权限

Use it like a standard verb-object phrase. You can say 我要设置权限 (I want to set permissions). If you are talking about a specific thing, use 对...设置权限. It sounds techy but it is actually very common in daily life. It is as simple as clicking a gear icon in your mind. Just don't try to use it for physical doors; it is strictly for the digital world.

Use this when you are sharing a photo but don't want your boss to see it. It is perfect for office talk when managing shared folders. Use it when you are setting up a new group chat. If someone says they can't open your link, this is the phrase you need. It is the universal 'oops, let me fix the settings' line.

Do not use this for social boundaries or personal space. You wouldn't tell a clingy date you are 'setting permissions' on your heart. That would be a bit too robotic! Also, avoid it for physical security. You 'lock' a door, you don't 设置权限 for a wooden gate. Keep it to screens and software.

In China, social media privacy is a huge topic. On apps like WeChat, people are very careful about their 'Moments.' You might hear people talk about 'three-day visibility.' This phrase became a household term as everyone started balancing work and life on one app. It is the tool for maintaining your 'digital face' while keeping your private life private.

If you want to be quick, just say 改权限 (change permissions). In a formal IT setting, you might hear 权限管理 (permission management). If you are blocking someone specifically, you might use 拉黑 (blacklist). But for the general act of adjusting who sees what, 设置权限 is your reliable, go-to phrase.