几 / 多少jǐ / duōshao

Asking quantities with 几 (jǐ) and 多少 (duōshao)

Meaning: How many / How much

Pattern

Both 几 and 多少 ask “how many / how much”, but they follow distinct rules:
1.
几 (jǐ) - “how many (a few)”: used when the expected answer is a small number (typically 1–9).
A measure word is MANDATORY between 几 and the noun: 几 + Measure Word + Noun.
Examples: 几个人?
(How many people?)

•几 is for small numbers (<10) and requires a measure word. 多少 is for larger numbers and the measure word is optional.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Omitting the measure word after 几: WRONG 几人 → RIGHT 几个人.

•Using 几 for a large number: WRONG 北京有几人? → RIGHT 北京有多少人?

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 1 to master all skills together.