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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 些 (xiē) to express "some"

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    一些 / 这些 / 那些 + Noun

    Explanation

    些 (xiē) is a measure word meaning "some" or "a few," used to indicate an indefinite but small quantity. It is most commonly paired with 一 to form 一些 (some) or with demonstratives like 这些 (these) and 那些 (those). It can modify both countable and uncountable nouns.

    Examples

    • 桌子上放着一些水果，你随便吃。

      Zhuōzi shàng fàngzhe yīxiē shuǐguǒ, nǐ suíbiàn chī.

      There are some fruits on the table; help yourself.

    • 这些问题我还没想清楚，需要再考虑考虑。

      Zhèxiē wèntí wǒ hái méi xiǎng qīngchǔ, xūyào zài kǎolǜ kǎolǜ.

      I haven't thought these questions through yet; I need to consider them further.

    • 你能给我一些建议吗？

      Nǐ néng gěi wǒ yīxiē jiànyì ma?

      Can you give me some advice?

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    Using 些 (xiē) to express "some" | Chinese Grammar