Definition
些 (xiē) is a classifier that always follows 一, 这, or 那 to indicate an indefinite small number ('some, a few'). It cannot stand alone; 一些 (yī xiē) is the full quantifier that can also modify adjectives. 几 (jǐ) also means 'several' but is a numeral/pronoun that can be used alone or before measure words.
classifier
somea fewseveral (used after 一, 这, 那, or alone to indicate an indefinite number)
Easily confused
- 此cǐlook-alikethis; these
- 写xiěsound-aliketo write
- 紫zǐlook-alikepurple
- 血xiěsound-alikeblood
- 鞋xiésound-alikeshoe
- 歇xiēsound-aliketo rest, to take a break
- 邪xiésound-alikeevil, wicked, demonic
- 卸xièsound-aliketo unload, to offload (cargo, goods)
- 斜xiésound-alike(adjective) slanted, oblique, inclined, tilted
- 泄xièsound-aliketo leak out, to discharge (liquid, gas, electricity)
Examples
- 。Wǒ mǎi le yì xiē píngguǒ.I bought some apples.
- 。Zhè yǒu yì xiē shuǐ.There is some water here.
- 。Tā kàn le yì xiē shū.He read some books.
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