A few: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“ฆ
Add to dictionary

a few

 

[ ษ™ fjuห ]

Phrase
Context #1 | Phrase

in common usage

A few refers to a small number of something, more than two but not many. The term is often used to indicate a small quantity or a limited number of items.

Synonyms

a couple of, several, some.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
a few

Use this when you want to indicate a small, unspecified number, but more than one. It is often used in casual conversations and writing.

  • I need a few minutes to finish my work.
  • She has a few friends in the city.
several

This word is used when referring to more than two but not a large number. It suggests more quantity than 'a few.' It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Several students failed the exam.
  • I have read several books on the topic.
some

Use this when you want to indicate an unspecified number or amount, but generally implies a moderate or sufficient quantity. It can also be used to refer to a part of the whole. It is common in both casual and formal speech.

  • Can I have some water?
  • Some people believe in ghosts.
a couple of

This phrase is used to mean two items or a very small number. It is often used in informal settings.

  • I saw her a couple of days ago.
  • Can you give me a couple of dollars?

Examples of usage

  • There were only a few people at the party.
  • I need to buy a few groceries before we leave.

Translations

Translations of the word "a few" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alguns

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเค›

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช einige

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ beberapa

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตะบั–ะปัŒะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kilka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ„ใใคใ‹ใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท quelques

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ unos pocos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท birkaรง

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ช‡๋ช‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุนุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nฤ›kolik

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ niekoฤพko

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‡ ไธช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nekaj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nokkrir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั–ั€ะฝะตัˆะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒแƒ›แƒ“แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜แƒ›แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bir neรงษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ unos pocos

Etymology

The phrase 'a few' has been used in the English language for centuries. It originates from Old English 'feawe' which meant 'a small number of'. Over time, the phrase evolved to its current usage in modern English to refer to a small but unspecified number of items or individuals.