幾 (jǐ) - Several, how many, a few & nearly, almost
幾 · jǐ
Several, how many, a few;
nearly, almost;
indicates an approximate number or quantity;
also used in rhetorical questions.
Several, how many, a fewnearly, almostindicates an approximate number or quantity
Usage highlights
How manyA fewAlmostHow muchGeometrySeveral times
Usage & contexts
Examples
- How many people are coming?(几个人来？)
- I'll be there in a few minutes (几分钟).
- It's almost time to leave (几乎到时间了).
- How much does this cost?(这个多少钱？)
Collocations
- How many(几个)
- A few(几个)
- Almost(几乎)
- How much(多少/几多)
- Geometry(几何)
- Several times(几次)
Idioms
- Only a few steps away(相去无几)
- So close, yet so far(失之毫厘，谬以千里)
- A narrow escape(九死一生)
Cultural background
FAQ- Used in classical Chinese to express approximation and rhetorical questions about quantity.
- Appears in mathematical terms like 几何 (geometry), reflecting its numerical nature.
- Common in both formal and informal contexts to inquire about or indicate small, indefinite amounts.