Several
Pronunciation:ˈsɛvərəl
EN→ZH
Quick Translations
- 几个
- 数个
- 一些
Definitions
adjective
Definition
More than two but not many; an unknown number that is more than a couple but less than many.
In ZH
超过两个但不多；一个未知的比几个多但少于许多的数字。
Examples
- I bought several donuts this morning and ate them all before 10 AM – who knew that sugar could be breakfast?
- After reading several articles, I think I've finally found the reason why cats always knock things off tables: it's their secret hobby!
- Several friends said they would join my online book club, but only one showed up because they thought it was a cooking class instead.
Cultural Notes
In English, 'several' implies a small number, typically more than three but less than ten. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings to provide a vague sense of quantity.
noun
Definition
An indefinite term referring to a few items or individuals, often used in a collective sense as in 'several of them'.
In ZH
一个不明确的术语，指几个项目或个体，通常用于集合意义，如'它们中的几个'。
Examples
- I saw several at the store, but they were all out of my favorite flavor – typical luck!
- During the meeting, several expressed their concerns about the new coffee machine that only dispenses cold brew – some people actually prefer hot!
- I have several to-do lists, but they have 'procrastination' listed as the first item. I think I'm winning at life!
Cultural Notes
As a noun, 'several' can be less common but is useful to describe a certain number of things in a collective manner. This usage is often found in more casual conversation.