forbid; not allow; cannot (in rhetorical questions)
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesverb
to forbid; to not allow; to prohibit
neutralUsed to set strict rules or express a firm prohibition, neutral register.
Loud talking is not allowed in the library.
The teacher does not allow us to eat in class.
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Spitting anywhere is prohibited here.
Parents forbid their children from staying up late playing games.
Parking randomly is not allowed at the park entrance.
verb
cannot; should not (used in rhetorical questions)
informalUsed exclusively in colloquial spoken Chinese in rhetorical questions to express that an action is unnecessary or impractical.
Can't you solve this small matter by yourself?
It's such a short trip, can't you just take a taxi over?
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Pre-made meals are ready, can't you just heat them up yourself?
I've already prepared the materials, can't you take a look first?
The teacher explained this problem already, can't you stop asking me about it?