May (mogen) is a model verb usually used when asking for formal permission and polite requests.
For example: You may begin the test now.
You may not wear shorts to the office in the summer.
When we ask and give permission we often use may as an alternative to can. For example: May I come in? / May I leave early Sir? – No, you may not.
You’ll often hear the phrase, “May I help you?,”
We generally use may for requests in the first person – I and we.