Japanese word

許可

Pronunciation

Romajikyoka

Meaning

  • nounpermission

Example

親の許可をもらいました。oya no kyo ka o mo ra i ma shi ta

I got my parents' permission.

Illustration for 許可 (permission)

More examples

写真を撮るには店員の許可が必要です。sha shin o to ru ni wa ten in no kyo ka ga hitsu yō de su

Permission from the staff is required to take pictures.

Core concept

Describes the recognized right or consent that allows someone to do something.

Common phrases

  • 許可を得るkyo ka o u ru

    obtain permission

  • 許可を求めるkyo ka o moto me ru

    ask for permission

  • 許可を取るkyo ka o to ru

    get permission

  • 許可なくkyo ka na ku

    without permission

Similar words

許しyurushi: Permission given by a person, often in a personal or informal setting.
承認shōnin: Formal acceptance of a request, plan, or action by a person or organization.

Definition in Japanese

ある行為をしてもよいと認めること。a ru kō i o shi te mo yo i to mito me ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 許可 (kyoka, "permission") combines 許 (kyo, "allow") and 可 (ka, "possible"), expressing that an action is allowed.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 許可 (kyoka) sounds more formal than a simple phrase meaning "Is it okay?" when asking whether an action is allowed.

Other meanings

  • approvalnoun
  • licensenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 許可するkyokasurupermitverb
  • 無許可mukyokaunauthorizedna-adjective

Word lists with this word