许可
xǔkě · HSK 5
permit
✅ 许可 = xǔ (permit/allow) + kě (can/may); two synonyms stacked
Compound of 许 'to allow/promise' and 可 'can/may'. Both characters independently mean approval, so pairing them intensifies the sense: official permission or authorization granted.
许 — speech radical 讠 (言) + 午 (noon/phonetic)
许 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 讠 (speech) radical signals a meaning tied to spoken acts, while 午 supplies the sound. Its core senses — to permit, promise, or praise — all stem from things granted through words.
可 — mouth 口 + breath marker 丁 (modified)
可 originally depicted a mouth (口) with a curved stroke suggesting exhaled breath or speech, conveying approval or assent. From this came the meaning 'to permit' or 'can,' as granting permission was expressed verbally. Today it broadly means 'may,' 'can,' or 'approve.'