Make allowance Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To consider something or someone’s situation, limitations, or special circumstances when making a decision or judgment.

Usage & Nuances

This is a formal or semi-formal expression. Commonly used as 'make allowance for (someone/something)'. Often means to show understanding or adjust expectations. Not used for calculating literal money allowances.

• Spanish: tener en cuenta - hacer concesión
• Portuguese (BR): levar em consideração - dar desconto (sentido figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): levar em consideração - dar desconto (sentido figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 考虑到 - 体谅
• Chinese (Traditional): 考慮到 - 體諒
• Hindi: ध्यान देना - छूट देना (सामान्य रूप में)
• Arabic: مراعاة - أخذ بعين الاعتبار
• Bengali: বিবেচনা করা - বিশেষ পরিস্থিতি ধরা
• Russian: учитывать - делать скидку (на обстоятельства)
• Japanese: 考慮する - 配慮する
• Vietnamese: xem xét - lưu ý (đến tình huống đặc biệt)
• Korean: 고려하다 - 참작하다
• Turkish: dikkate almak - göz önünde bulundurmak
• Urdu: خیال کرنا - رعایت کرنا
• Indonesian: mempertimbangkan - memberi kelonggaran

Example Sentences

You must make allowance for mistakes when learning something new.

basic

If he’s late, make allowance—he’s new to the city.

natural

The judge will make allowance for the fact that it was his first offense.

natural

Parents need to make allowance for their children's different personalities.

natural

We should make allowance for the traffic when planning our trip.

basic

Teachers make allowance for students who need more time.

basic