几

• Pinyin: jǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 几 = simplified form of 幾; a pictograph now resembling a small table

Meaning

How many; several; a few. Used to ask about small numbers or indicate an indefinite small quantity.

When used in questions, 几 asks 'how many' and expects a small number (usually under 10). It requires a measure word after it. When not in a question, it means 'several/a few.' Also appears in 几个 (a few/how many), 几点 (what time), and 几岁 (how old).

Examples

1. 你有几个孩子？ How many children do you have?
2. 我等了你几分钟。 I waited for you a few minutes.
3. 现在几点了？ What time is it now?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, questions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你家有几口人？(How many people are in your family?)
• 他买了几本书。(He bought a few books.)

Don't Say

• 问'你有几钱'来问价格。(Don't use 几 to ask about prices — 几 is for countable small numbers; say 多少钱 instead)

Origin & History

The simplified form of 幾. The original character depicted threads on a loom, suggesting fine detail and precise counting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal