few
word
/ˈfju/
FYOO
/fjˈuː/
FYOO
Definition
A small number of things or people, but more than one. It is used to describe countable nouns and usually implies not many but enough.
Usage & Nuances
Used with countable nouns (e.g., 'few apples'). Often contrasted with 'a few': 'few' suggests scarcity; 'a few' suggests some but sufficient. Mostly neutral or slightly negative tone regarding quantity.
Spanish: pocos - algunas pocasPortuguese (BR): poucos - alguns poucosPortuguese (PT): poucos - alguns poucosChinese (Simplified): 几个 - 少数Chinese (Traditional): 幾個 - 少數Hindi: कुछArabic: قليل - بعض القليلBengali: কিছু - অল্পRussian: малоJapanese: 少しの - わずかなVietnamese: vài - ítKorean: 몇 - 거의 없는Turkish: birkaç - azUrdu: چند - کمIndonesian: beberapa - sedikit
Example Sentences
There are only few cookies left in the jar.
basic
I have few friends in this city.
basic
Only a few people came to the meeting.
basic
She has few doubts about her decision.
natural
You have few reasons to worry; everything is fine.
natural
There were few options left after the deadline passed.
natural