how many people; a number of people
Used to ask about or state the number of people. In questions, it means 'how many people?'; in statements, it can mean 'several people' or 'a number of people'.
About how many people will come to the party?
何人かがもう帰りました。
A few people have already gone home.
How many people are in this classroom?
Welcome! How many people are in your party?
About how many people are coming to the party?
何人 read なにびと means 'anyone/any person' in formal writing, while the same kanji read なんにん simply asks or states 'how many people'.