few

• 形容词，表示数量很少的、不多的，用于修饰可数名词；也可表示几乎没有。

An adjective meaning a small number of things or people.

1. A1formal

   Used to describe a small number of things or people.

   几个

   • Only a few people attended the meeting.
   • She has a few books on her shelf.
   • There are a few apples left in the basket.

   同义词handfulminoritysprinklingtrickle

   反义词manymultitudinousnumerous

2. Not manyA2formal

   Used to emphasize that the number is small or insufficient.

   很少

   • Few students passed the difficult exam.
   • He has few friends in the new city.
   • There are few opportunities for advancement in this company.

   同义词insufficientlimitedmeagerscarcesparse

   反义词countlessmanymultiplenumerous

• 表示数量很少的可数事物，常带有不够、不足的意味。

A determiner used with plural countable nouns to indicate a small number. Without the article 'a', it has a negative connotation, meaning 'not many' or 'hardly any'.

1. Small number (negative connotation)B1formal

   Used with plural countable nouns to emphasize that the number is small, often implying 'not enough' or 'less than expected'. It contrasts with 'a few', which is more positive.

   数量少（贬义）

   • Few people understand this theory.
   • There are few reasons to stay.
   • Few of them passed the exam.

2. Only a small number (restrictive)B2formal

   Used in the phrase 'only a few' or simply 'few' to restrict the quantity to a very limited number, emphasizing scarcity.

   数量很少（限定性）

   • Very few students completed the assignment on time.
   • Few cities have such a rich history.
   • He has few friends in this town.

• 表示数量少的词，常指为数不多或数量不足，也可指少量、几乎没有。

A noun referring to a small number of something, often indicating not many or a scarcity of items.

不可数

1. A1formal

   A small number of people or things, often implying not many.

   少数人或物

   • Only a few of the students passed the exam.
   • A few of the books were damaged in the flood.
   • She invited a few of her closest friends to the party.

   同义词handfulminorityscatteringsmatteringsprinklingtrickle

   反义词crowdhostmanymultitudethrong

2. A select or elite groupB2formal

   A small, select group of people, often implying exclusivity.

   少数精英

   • The few who understand the theory are highly respected.
   • Only the few were allowed into the private club.
   • The secrets are known by the few.

   同义词chosenelecteliteprivilegedselect

   反义词crowdmanymass