gei2 go3幾個几个
Jyutpinggei2 go3
Yalegéi go
Definition
Several or a few; can also mean how many when used as a question.
- several; a few; a small number of
- how many (for countable things, usually fewer than ten)
colloquialnumbers
How it's used
Functions as both an indefinite quantifier meaning a small number and an interrogative pronoun asking for a specific count. When used as a question, it specifically anticipates a small number as the answer, unlike 幾多 which is neutral regarding the expected quantity. It is almost always followed by a measure word, even if the noun is omitted.
Examples
I bought a few apples to take home.
How many friends did you arrange to eat with tonight?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often omit the measure word after 幾個, but it is grammatically necessary in Cantonese. For example, say 幾個蘋果 rather than just 幾個蘋果.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
