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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'several' or 'number' with 数 (shù)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    数 + Noun

    Explanation

    The character 数 (shù) as a noun or determiner means "number" or "several." When placed before a noun, it indicates an unspecified but small quantity. For example, 数人 means "several people" and 数年 means "several years."

    Examples

    • 数年之后，他终于回到了家乡。

      Shù nián zhī hòu, tā zhōngyú huí dào le jiāxiāng.

      After several years, he finally returned to his hometown.

    • 这件事已经有数百人参与讨论了。

      Zhè jiàn shì yǐjīng yǒu shù bǎi rén cānyù tǎolùn le.

      Hundreds of people have already participated in the discussion of this matter.

    • 数日前，我在街上偶然遇到了老同学。

      Shù rì qián, wǒ zài jiē shàng ǒurán yù dào le lǎo tóngxué.

      A few days ago, I ran into an old classmate on the street by chance.

    Referring to 'several' or 'number' with 数 (shù) | Chinese Grammar