Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'a few people' depends on the context, such as whether you are counting people, describing a small group, or using it as a subject. The most common way is to use a counter with 数 (suu) or a small number like 2, 3, or 4 people.
数人が来ました。
A few people came.
2、3人で行きました。
I went with a few people.
To say 'a few people' when referring to an approximate small number, typically 2 to 4 individuals.
This is the most direct and common way to say 'a few people'. It is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Literally 'two or three people', this is a very natural way to express 'a few people' in casual conversation. It implies a small, indefinite number.
2、3人で行こう。
Let's go with a few people.
2、3人に手伝ってもらった。
I got a few people to help.
Similar to 2、3人, this means 'three or four people' and is used when the number is slightly larger but still small.
3、4人で食事した。
I had a meal with a few people.
This means 'a small number of people' and is more formal or written. It emphasizes the minority aspect.
少数の人が反対した。
A few people opposed.
To refer to a small group of people in a descriptive way, often as a noun phrase.
This noun means 'small number of people' and is often used to describe groups, classes, or gatherings. It is neutral and common.
少人数のクラスです。
It's a class with a few people.
少人数でパーティーを開いた。
We held a party with a few people.
Similar to 数人, but slightly more formal. Often used in written contexts or official announcements.
To express that a small number of people do something or are in a state, often with a focus on the smallness of the number.
This explicitly says 'a few people' as the subject. It is clear and natural, though slightly more wordy than 数人 alone.
数人の人が待っています。
A few people are waiting.
This means 'some people' or 'a few people' and is very common in spoken Japanese. It is vague and implies an unspecified small number.
何人かが手を挙げた。
A few people raised their hands.
何人かに会った。
I met a few people.
To stress that only a few people are involved, often with a nuance of scarcity.
Adding ほんの emphasizes 'just a few' or 'only a few'. It is natural and commonly used.
ほんの数人しか来なかった。
Only a few people came.
This means 'a small number of people' with a nuance of 'few' or 'scant'. It can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
わずかな人が賛成した。
Only a few people agreed.
数人 (suunin) is more specific and means 'a few people' (around 2-4). 何人か (nanninka) is vaguer and can mean 'some people' or 'several people', often used when the exact number is unknown or unimportant.
数人に聞いたけど、誰も知らなかった。
I asked a few people, but nobody knew.
何人かがもう帰った。
Some people have already left.
Do not directly translate 'a few' as 少し (sukoshi) when referring to people. 少し人 (sukoshi hito) is unnatural. Use counters or phrases like 数人 or 2、3人 instead.
イベントにはほんの数人しかいなかった。
There were only a few people at the event.
引っ越しを数人に手伝ってもらった。
A few people helped me move.
A few employees attended.