Common Meanings
1
xǔ许
To permit; to allow; to approve.
老师不许学生在课堂上玩手机。
The teacher does not allow students to play with phones in class.
To admit or acknowledge the merits of someone or something; to praise or approve.
老师对这次活动的成功给予了极大的赞许。
The teacher gave great approval for the success of this event.
To promise or agree to give something beforehand; to pledge.
他向我许下诺言，说会帮助我。
He made a promise to me, saying he would help me.
To agree to marry; to promise oneself (in marriage).
她最终决定以身相许，与他共度一生。
She finally decided to promise herself to him and spend her life with him.
perhaps; maybe; possibly; or
我们或许可以一起去公园散步。
Perhaps we can go for a walk in the park together.
Place; where (often used in phrases like '何许' to inquire about origin or location).
此物来自何许？
Where did this item come from?
Used as a word indicating an approximate estimate, meaning 'a few' or 'a little'.
请在汤里加少许盐。
Please add a little salt to the soup.
Such; so much; to this extent (indicating a certain quantity or degree).
她凭借努力，取得了如许的成就，令人赞叹
Through her efforts, she achieved such accomplishments, which is truly admirable.
An ancient state during the Zhou dynasty in China, located in the eastern part of present-day Xuchang City, Henan Province.
春秋时期，许国是中原地区的一个小诸侯国。
During the Spring and Autumn period, the State of Xu was a small vassal state in the Central Plains region.
2
hǔ许
The sound made by a group of people exerting effort together, often used in the reduplicated form 'hǔhǔ'.
大家齐心协力，喊着许许的声音，终于把大石头搬动了
Everyone worked together, shouting 'huhu' (the sound of collective effort), and finally moved the big stone.