The difference between 认可, 许可, and 允许
These three words have a similar meaning of “to approve” or “permission”. Let’s look at each of them.
HSK 6new HSK 6VerbsNouns
认可
The word can be either a verb or a noun.
认可 as a verb
As a verb, it has the meaning of “to approve", "to confirm”. We usually use it to indicate approval or acceptance by another person, society, or organization.
Examples
目前没有被广泛认可的疟疾疫苗
There is no widely accepted malaria vaccine
mùqián méi yǒu bèi guǎngfàn rènkě de nüèjí yìmiáo
她的父母真的很认可你，不是吗？
Her parents really approve of you, don't they?
tā de fùmǔ zhēn de hěn rènkě nǐ, bú shì ma
认可 as a noun
As a noun, 认可 has the meaning of “approval”, “recognition”, “endorsement”.
Examples
她的认可是极其重要的
Her approval is extremely important
tā de rènkě shì jíqí zhòngyào de
她的认可是极其重要的
He gave formal endorsement to the proposed law (lex ferenda)
tā de rènkě shì jíqí zhòngyào de
We usually use this noun in the following expressions:
许可
The word can also be either a verb or a noun.
许可 as a verb
As a verb, it has the meaning of “to allow”, “to allow”.
Pay attention
Unlike the verb 认可, we can use 许可 with abstract concepts. For example, “if conditions allow”.
Examples
如果天气条件许可，明天我要去拜访他
If weather conditions permit, I will go to see him tomorrow
rúguǒ tiānqì tiáojiàn xǔkě, míngtiān wǒ yào qù bàifǎng tā
我们绝不许可这样的历史悲剧重演
We must not allow such a historical tragedy to repeat again
wǒmen jué bù xǔkě zhèyàng de lìshǐ bēijù chóngyǎn
We usually use the verb 许可 in the following expressions:
许可 as a noun
As a noun, we use 许可 in the meaning of “permit”, “license”, “authorization”.
Examples
这种新药尚未在美国获得许可
The new drug has not yet been licensed in the United States
zhè zhǒng xīn yào shàngwèi zài měiguó huòdé xǔkě
这份工作许可证不能延期
This work permit cannot be extended
zhè fèn gōngzuò xǔkězhèng bù néng yánqí
As a noun we usually use 许可in the following expressions:
允许
The word can also be a verb or a noun.
允许 as a verb
As a verb, 允许 has the meaning of “to allow”, “to enable”. We use this verb to indicate approval or acceptance by another person, society, or organization. It can also be used with abstract concepts.
Pay attention
允许 has a more neutral connotation comparing to 许可 and 认可.
Examples
他允许我在这儿拍照
He allowed me to take pictures here
tā yǔnxǔ wǒ zài zhèr pāizhào
本课程允许学生按各自的速度学习
This course allows students to learn at their own pace
běn kèchéng yǔnxǔ xuésheng àn gèzì de sùdù xuéxí
运动后，如果条件允许，最好洗个澡
Take a shower after training if possible
yùndòng hòu, rúguǒ tiáojiàn yǔnxǔ, zuìhǎo xǐ ge zǎo
允许 as a noun
As a noun, we use 允许 in the meaning of “permission”.
Examples
我们得到允许扩大企业规模
We have got the permission to expand our business
wǒmen dédào yǔnxǔ kuòdà qǐyè guīmó
不经允许, 不得入内
Do not enter without permission
bù jīng yǔnxǔ, bù dé rùnèi
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