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.
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.
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'.
公園には大勢の人がいた。
There were a large number of people in the park.
Quite a few people believe that rumor.