(3rd sing. present may; past might )
1
- expressing possibility可能, 也许, 会：
that may be true
那也许是真的
he may well win.
他很可能赢。
1.1
- used when admitting that something is so before making another, more important point可能, 也许：
they may have been old-fashioned but they were excellent teachers.
他们也许很守旧, 但他们都是优秀的教师。
2
- expressing permission可以：
you may use a sling if you wish
你如果愿意的话可以用绷带
may I ask a few questions?
我可以问几个问题吗？
3
- expressing a wish or hope祝, 愿：
may she rest in peace.
愿她安息。
USAGE
On the difference in use between may and can, see usage at CAN.
短语
be that as it may
- despite that; nevertheless尽管如此; 就算那样。
may as well
- another way of saying might as well.同might as well （参见MIGHT1）。
that is as may be
- that may or may not be so (implying that this is not a significant consideration)这很难说; 事情未必会这样（暗示所考虑的事情并不重要）。
词源
Old English mæg, of Germanic origin, from a base meaning 'have power'; related to Dutch mogen and German mögen, also to MAIN1 and MIGHT2.