How to Write 允 (yǔn) — Meaning “to permit; to allow; fair”

Imagine a person standing on two legs (儿) and raising one arm bent like the top part 厶, saying "You're in!" (sounds like yǔn). The bent arm looks like a checkmark, reminding you that permission is granted. This visual links the shape to the sound and meaning.

Write the top part first as a single stroke: start with a left-falling stroke (撇), then a horizontal bend with a hook (横折钩), followed by a dot (点) inside the hook. End with another left-falling stroke (撇) for the left leg. A common mistake is making the top too wide or forgetting the dot inside the hook.

儿 is just the lower part of 允, meaning 'child', while 允 has the extra top part 厶. 兀 looks similar but has a horizontal line on top (一) instead of the bent shape 厶, and means 'towering' or 'bald'. Only 允 carries the meanings of permission and fairness.

允 appears in formal or written words like 允许 (to permit), 允诺 (to promise), and 公允 (fair and just). It is commonly seen in legal documents, business agreements, or ethical discussions. In daily conversation, 允许 is more frequent than using 允 alone.

Common words containing 允 include: 允许 (yǔn xǔ) — to permit; to allow; 允诺 (yǔn nuò) — to promise; to consent; 公允 (gōng yǔn) — Fair and just.