Translation guide
Expressing an unspecified but notable quantity of people, from 'several' to 'many', depending on context.
To say there were several people, a few people, or a small group, without specifying exactly how many.
The most direct and common way to say 'a number of people' when the number is relatively small (typically 2–10). Neutral and widely used.
A number of people had gathered.
Several students asked questions.
Literally 'some people' or 'a few people'. Very common in spoken Japanese. Implies an indefinite small number.
A few people came late.
More formal than 数人, often used in written or official contexts. '名' is a polite counter for people.
Several staff members attended.
To express that there were many people, a large number, or a considerable crowd.
The standard way to say 'many people'. Neutral and can be used in any context.
Many people participated in the event.
Emphasizes a large crowd or throng of people. Often used for gatherings, events, or places.
Slightly more formal, often used in news or reports. '多数' means 'large number'.
A large number of people evacuated.
To indicate that there is a notable but unspecified number of people, often in contexts like 'a number of people believe...' or 'a number of people have complained'.
Means 'a certain number of people', implying a significant enough quantity to be worth mentioning. Often used in formal or analytical contexts.
A certain number of people oppose that policy.
Literary expression meaning 'not a few people', i.e., quite a few. Used in writing or formal speech.
Quite a few people believe that rumor.
Both mean 'several people', but 数人 is slightly more definite (like 'a few specific people'), while 何人か is more vague ('some people, I don't know how many'). 何人か is more common in casual speech.
Do not translate 'a number of' as 数 (かず) in this context. 人々の数 means 'the number of people' (a count), not 'a number of people'.
There were a large number of people in the park.