How to say "permit" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 許すゆるすgodan verb, transitive verbCovers the verb sense of 'permit' — to allow, approve or consent to something. The general verb to reach for when 'permit' means letting something happen or granting approval.
- 免許証めんきょしょうnounThe noun for the licence or permit as a document — a certificate, especially of qualification. Use this when 'permit' means the document itself rather than the permission it represents.
- 免許めんきょnoun, suru verb, transitive verbLicence or official permission — the authorization itself rather than the document that certifies it (免許証). Fits 'permit' in the sense of official permission to do something.
- 免状めんじょうnounReally a certificate — an official document certifying a qualification. For an everyday 'permit' this is seldom the word you want.
- 可能にするかのうにするexpression, suru verbCovers 'permit' in the sense of making something possible or feasible — to enable. Choose it when 'permit' means 'make possible' rather than the permission-granting sense of 許す.
For the verb, 「許す」 covers permitting, allowing or approving, while 「可能にする」 means to make something possible; for the noun, an official licence or permit is 免許 or 免許証, and 免状 is really a certificate of qualification.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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