some
Meaning: An unspecified amount or number of; approximately
'Some' is a determiner and pronoun referring to an unspecified quantity or number. It is used in affirmative sentences ('I need some help') while 'any' is typically used in questions and negatives. 'Some' can also mean 'approximately' ('some fifty people') or 'remarkable' ('that was some performance!').
Examples
- Would you like some more tea? 你想再来点茶吗?¿Te gustaría un poco más de té?もう少し紅茶はいかがですか?차를 좀 더 드시겠어요?
- Some people prefer to work from home. 有些人更喜欢在家工作。Algunas personas prefieren trabajar desde casa.在宅勤務を好む人もいる。재택근무를 선호하는 사람도 있다.
- I have been waiting for some time now. 我已经等了一段时间了。He estado esperando durante algún tiempo.もうしばらく待っている。이제 꽤 오래 기다리고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'sum', meaning 'a certain one' or 'a particular', from Proto-Germanic *sumaz. Cognate with Old Norse 'sumr' and Gothic 'sums'. Originally more specific than its modern indefinite sense.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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