vài
Definition
- Adjective:
- Some, a few, several: Used to indicate a small, indefinite, and approximate number of things or people, typically more than one but not many. It often implies a quantity of around two to three, but can be slightly more. It is used before a noun.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Tôi cần mua vài quyển sách. (I need to buy a few books.)
- Chỉ còn vài người trong phòng. (There are only a few people left in the room.)
- Cô ấy sẽ đến trong vài phút nữa. (She will arrive in a few minutes.)
Advanced Usage
"một vài": This is a common, slightly more formal variant meaning "a few" or "some." It emphasizes the small, indefinite number.
- Một vài sinh viên đã đến sớm. (A few students arrived early.)
"vài ba": This is an idiomatic expression meaning "a few," "several," or "two or three." It reinforces the approximate and small quantity.
- Anh ấy đã thử vài ba lần rồi. (He has tried a few times already.)
Variants and Related Words
- Một vài (adj): A few, some. A synonym often used interchangeably with "vài."
- Tôi có một vài câu hỏi. (I have a few questions.)
Synonyms
- Some: An indefinite amount or number.
- A few: A small number of.
- Several: More than two but not many.
Related Idioms
Vài bước: Literally "a few steps," used to indicate a very short distance.
- Quán cà phê cách đây chỉ vài bước. (The coffee shop is just a few steps away.)
Vài lời: Literally "a few words," used to indicate a short speech or comment.
- Tôi xin nói vài lời. (I would like to say a few words.)
adj
-
some, several
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