may
modal verb uk/meɪ/ us/meɪ/
(POSSIBILITY)
A2 （表示可能性）可能，也许
used to express possibility
There may be other problems that we don't know about. 可能有我们不知道的其他问题。
I may see you tomorrow before I leave. 明天我走前也许还能见到你。
The cause of the accident may never be discovered. 事故的原因也许永远无法查清。
The explosion may have been caused by a faulty electrical connection. 爆炸可能是由电路连接错误引起的。
We'd better not interfere - she may not like it. 我们最好别干涉——她可能会不高兴。
There may be some evidence to suggest she's guilty, but it's hardly conclusive. 也许有迹象显示她有罪，但不怎么令人信服。
Compare: might modal verb (POSSIBILITY)
- More examples
- If used on delicate skin, this cream may produce a stinging sensation.
- People who suffer a stroke may experience a loss of speech.
- This afternoon we may see some wintry showers over higher ground.
- We may have to sell the house, but I hope it won't come to that.
- I worry about the destructive effect that violent films may have on children.
(PERMISSION)
B1 formal（用于请求许可或表示允许）可以
used to ask or give permission
A reader may borrow up to six books at any one time. 读者一次最多可借阅6本书。
"May I help myself to some more food?" "Yes, of course." “我能再取些吃的吗？”“好的，当然可以。”
Hi, my name's Tiffany. How may I help you? “你好，我叫蒂法尼，能帮你做些什么吗？”
Compare: might modal verb (PERMISSION)
- More examples
- Hello, may I speak to Ken Griffey senior, please?
- "Higgins, you may go now." "Very good, sir."
- Now a round of quick-fire questions - the first person to press their buzzer may answer.
- Ask your teacher if you may sit at the front of the class until your glasses are repaired.
- Excuse me - is this someone's seat, or may I sit here?
(WISH)
formal（表示祝愿或希望）祝，愿
used to introduce a wish or a hope
May you have a long and fruitful marriage. 祝你们婚姻长久美满。
Idioms
be that as it mayidiom formal 就算是那样
used to mean that you accept that a piece of information is true but it does not change your opinion of the subject you are discussing
Building a new children's home will cost a lot of money but, be that as it may, there is an urgent need for the facility. 建一所新的儿童之家要花很多钱，但即便如此也一定要建。
may I askidiom （用于疑问句表示不赞同）能问一下…吗
used in questions to show disapproval
What, may I ask, was the point of repeating the tests? 我想问一下，重复这些测试的目的是什么？
may wellidiom B2 很有可能
If you say that something may well happen, you mean that it is likely to happen.
She may well not want to travel alone. 她很有可能不想单独旅行。
may
noun [ U ] uk/meɪ/ us/meɪ/ (also may blossom)
山楂花
the flowers of the hawthorn tree