Skip to content
Kotomora

幾

how many, how much, how far, how long, some, several

JLPTN3StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • キ

Kun'yomi

  • いく-
  • いく.つ
  • いく.ら

Nanori

  • い
  • く

Meaning

幾 centers on an unspecified or indefinite quantity: asking how many or how much, or indicating some or several when the exact number is not given.

Most common words using 幾

20 of 77

Explore all words using 幾 →

Study

Etymology

幾 originally depicted a small or subtle quantity, possibly from components suggesting fine silk threads and a halberd-like element. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the modern form retains the idea of an indefinite number.

Meaning mnemonic

The top part looks like a pair of small threads (幺) over a halberd (戈), with a person (人) tucked inside. Imagine counting tiny silk threads with a weapon nearby, unsure of the exact number: how many? Some, several.

Reading mnemonic

For キ, imagine a key with a question mark on it: you need the key to unlock how many are inside. Key -> キ.