Usage of '몇'
'몇' is a common Korean determiner used to ask or indicate an unspecified small number or quantity. It is often translated as 'how many' or 'a few' in English. It is used before counters (like 명 for people, 시 for time, 가지 for kinds) to ask about quantity or number.
Common Collocations
- 몇 명 (how many people) — used when asking about the number of people.
- 몇 시 (what time) — used when asking about time.
- 몇 가지 (a few kinds) — used when referring to a small number of types or items.
Notes on Usage
'몇' is always followed by a counter word and is used in questions or statements about quantity. It is not used alone without a counter. For example, you say '몇 명' (how many people), not just '몇' by itself.
Be careful not to confuse '몇' with '몇몇' which means 'some' or 'several' and is used differently.
Register and Politeness
'몇' itself is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The politeness level depends on the sentence ending, not on '몇'.