Translation guide
The English word "several" refers to an indefinite number more than a few but not many. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on context, formality, and whether you are counting objects, people, or abstract things.
Express that there is a small but unspecified number of something, typically more than two or three.
A versatile and common way to say 'several' for countable objects. Works in both casual and polite speech.
いくつか質問があります。
I have several questions.
There are several apples on the desk.
Literally 'several items'. Slightly more formal and often used in writing or when specifying a small count of objects.
数個のサンプルを検査した。
We tested several samples.
Specifically for 'several people'. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
数人の学生が遅刻した。
Several students were late.
Means 'several days'. A fixed compound used for time.
数日後にまた来ます。
I'll come again in several days.
Means 'several times'. Used for frequency.
数回試したが、うまくいかなかった。
I tried several times, but it didn't work.
Emphasize that the number is small, similar to 'a few'.
Often used with the particle 'の' to mean 'a few' or 'a little'. Can be used for both countable and uncountable things.
少しの間待ってください。
Please wait for a few moments.
少しのお金があれば十分です。
A little money is enough.
Means 'a small number' or 'minority'. More formal and often used in contrast with 'majority'.
Use 'several' as a pronoun to refer to people or things without repeating the noun.
In Japanese, you can drop the noun if it's clear from context. いくつか works for things, 何人か for people.
いくつかはもう売り切れです。
Several are already sold out.
何人かが賛成した。
Several agreed.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'several' in all contexts. Using いくつか or 数〜 compounds is natural, but trying to force a one-to-one mapping will sound unnatural.
Japanese often uses counters (助数詞) with 数〜 to express 'several' for specific types of objects, e.g., 数冊 (several books), 数台 (several machines), 数匹 (several small animals). This is more precise and natural in many contexts.
少数の意見も尊重すべきだ。
We should also respect the opinions of the few.