may
may — 情態動詞
1. shows that something has a chance of happening or being true, though you are not
可能
表示某事有可能發生
shows that something has a chance of happening or being true, though you are not completely sure about it; you present your statement as a possibility rather than a certainty.
The train from Glasgow may arrive late because of the heavy snow on the tracks.
從格拉斯哥出發的火車可能會因為軌道上積雪過厚而誤點。
may + base verb: suggesting a real possibility
Sofia may not come to the party tonight since she has a bad cold.
Sofia 得了重感冒，今晚可能不會來派對了。
negative form: may not
There may be a few seats left if we get to the theater early.
如果我們早點到戲院，可能還會剩下幾個座位。
The doctor said the test results may take up to a week to come back.
醫生說檢驗結果可能需要長達一週才會出來。
If you check the lost property office, your umbrella may be there.
如果你去失物招領處看看，你的雨傘可能就在那裡。
文法句型
may + base verb
may + be
may + not + base verb
may well + base verb
用法筆記
Compare with might (which suggests less certainty) and can (which suggests a general truth or ability). In everyday speech, many British speakers prefer might for possibility, while may sounds slightly more formal or written-register.
常見錯誤
2. used to politely ask whether you are allowed to do something, or to tell someone
可以
請求或給予許可
used to politely ask whether you are allowed to do something, or to tell someone that they have permission to do it — for example, a child asking a teacher May I get a drink of water? or a sign saying visitors may park in the lot behind the building.
May I borrow your pen for a moment to write down this address?
我可以借你的筆寫下這個地址嗎？
May I + verb: polite request for permission
You may leave the classroom once you have finished the exam.
你考完試就可以離開教室了。
You may + verb: granting permission
Students may use their phones during the break but not in class.
學生可以在休息時間使用手機，但在課堂上不可以。
May we sit at this table near the window, please?
請問我們可以坐這張靠窗的桌子嗎？
Children under twelve may enter the museum for free on Sundays.
十二歲以下兒童週日可以免費進入博物館。
- can
less formal and more common in everyday spoken requests
- could
more hesitant or tentative than may, common in polite British requests
- be allowed to
explicit rather than modal; useful when tense or non-modal structure is needed
文法句型
May + subject + base verb?
You may + base verb
subject + may not + base verb
用法筆記
More formal than can for permission. In casual everyday conversation, native speakers typically use can (Can I borrow your pen?). May I is considered the most polite and correct choice in formal situations, with teachers, or with strangers.
常見錯誤
3. expresses a strong hope or desire that something good will happen for someone —
祝願
表達對他人的祝福或期望
expresses a strong hope or desire that something good will happen for someone — used in fixed blessing-like expressions such as May you have a long and happy life together or May peace be with you.
May your wedding day be filled with joy and surrounded by the people you love.
願你的婚禮充滿歡樂，並被你所愛的人圍繞。
May + subject + base verb: blessing formula
The old woman smiled and said, 'May your journey home be safe.'
那位老婦人微笑著說：「願你一路平安。」
May the new year bring you health, happiness, and success in all you do.
願新的一年帶給你健康、幸福和萬事順利。
Emre whispered to his teammate, 'May the best team win,' before the match began.
Emre 在比賽開始前低聲對隊友說：「願最好的隊伍獲勝。」
May all your dreams come true as you begin this new chapter of your life.
願你所有的夢想都能實現，迎接人生的新篇章。
文法句型
May + subject + base verb!
用法筆記
This sense follows a distinct inversion pattern: May + subject + base verb — it does NOT follow the usual subject + auxiliary order. It is mainly used in formal blessings, toasts, ceremonial wishes, and some fixed expressions. In everyday speech, I hope is far more common.
常見錯誤
may — 名詞
1. the small white or pale pink flowers that bloom on the hawthorn tree in spring,
山楂花
山楂樹在春天開的小白花
the small white or pale pink flowers that bloom on the hawthorn tree in spring, often seen in hedgerows and countryside landscapes in Britain.
The may was in full bloom along the lane, filling the air with a sweet smell.
小徑旁的山楂花盛開，空氣中充滿了甜甜的香氣。
Farmers say that a heavy crop of may means a warm summer will follow.
農夫說山楂花開得茂盛，預示著溫暖的夏天即將到來。
crop of may: traditional weather lore
Rin picked some may from the hedge and put it in a jar on her desk.
Rin 從樹籬上摘了一些山楂花，放在桌上的瓶子裡。
In early spring, the may trees in the valley are covered in tiny white blossoms.
初春時，山谷裡的山楂樹開滿了白色的小花。
The sweet perfume of may drifted across the garden from the hedge.
山楂花的甜香從樹籬飄過花園。
- hawthorn blossom
the more common standard term for the same flowers
- hawthorn flowers
descriptive rather than a single-word synonym
文法句型
the + may
may + blossom
may + tree
用法筆記
This is a British regional term for hawthorn blossom. The word may is often uncountable (the may was beautiful). The tree itself is called hawthorn, not may, though may tree is sometimes heard. This sense is not widely known among younger speakers.
常見錯誤
2. the month between April and June, with 31 days; it is the start of summer in the
五月
一年的第五個月，共31天
the month between April and June, with 31 days; it is the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and a time when trees blossom and temperatures rise.
My cousin's wedding is planned for the second Saturday in May.
我表姐的婚禮訂在五月的第二個星期六。
in + May: saying when something happens
The cherry blossoms in the park usually open during the first week of May.
公園裡的櫻花通常在五月第一週開放。
the first/last + week + of + May
Devika will finish her final exams in May and then fly to Japan.
Devika 將在五月考完期末考，然後飛往日本。
The garden centre opens at the beginning of May and closes in September.
這家園藝中心五月初開始營業，九月關門。
In many countries, workers celebrate International Workers' Day on the first of May.
許多國家在五月一日慶祝國際勞動節。
文法句型
in + May
early/late + May
May + day/date
on + date + of + May
用法筆記
Always capitalize May when referring to the month. Use in before the month alone (in May), but on before a specific date (on May 5th). With early, late, or mid, no preposition is needed when used adverbially (The flowers bloom early May).