多少

• Pinyin: duō shao
• Hanzi breakdown: 多 (many) + 少 (few) — how many, how much

Meaning

How many; how much. A question word asking about quantity or amount.

Used to ask about numbers, prices, and quantities. Unlike 几 (which expects a small number, usually under 10), 多少 has no such limit and is used for any quantity. Common patterns: 多少钱 (how much money), 多少人 (how many people).

Examples

1. 这个多少钱？ How much does this cost?
2. 你们班有多少人？ How many people are in your class?
3. 你的电话号码是多少？ What is your phone number?

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你要多少？(How many do you want?)
• 多少钱一个？(How much each?)

Don't Say

• 多少个人 when expecting an answer under 10 (For small numbers, use 几个人; 多少 implies a larger or unknown range)

Origin & History

Compound of 多 (many, much) and 少 (few, little) — literally 'how many or how few,' used to ask about quantity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal