语法 · HSK 1–2
多少 (duōshao) vs 几 (jǐ): asking "how many" in Chinese
Use 几 when expecting a small number (usually under 10), and always put a measure word after it: 你有几个苹果？ "How many apples do you have?" Use 多少 for any number (especially larger ones or prices/phone numbers); the measure word after 多少 is optional: 你们学校有多少(个)学生？
句型Patterns
几 + Measure word + Noun？Small count; measure word is required: 几个人, 几点, 几岁.多少 + (Measure word) + Noun？Any count or price: 多少钱, 多少人.几 (as "a few" in statements)我去过几次 "I have been a few times".
例句Examples
- 你家有几口人？nǐ jiā yǒu jǐ kǒu rén?How many people are there in your family?
- 请问，这本书多少钱？qǐng wèn, zhè běn shū duō shǎo qián?Excuse me, how much is this book?
- 你们班有多少个学生？nǐ men bān yǒu duō shǎo gè xué sheng?How many students are in your class?
- 我在桌子上放了几本书。wǒ zài zhuō zi shàng fàng le jǐ běn shū.I put a few books on the table.
常见错误Common mistakes
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✗你有几书？
✓你有几本书？
几 must always be followed by a measure word before a noun.
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✗你的手机号是几？
✓你的手机号是多少？
Phone numbers, room numbers and prices ask with 多少.
重点词语Words in this guide
Common questions
How do I ask someone's age?
For children under ten, ask 你几岁了？ For adults, ask 你多大了？ (or polite 您多大年纪了？).