Few बनाम Some: क्या अंतर है?
few का इस्तेमाल करो, और सामान्य मात्रा के लिए some या a few। याद रखो: few मतलब नेगेटिव, some मतलब न्यूट्रल।
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'some' for an unspecified amount and 'few' to emphasize a small, often disappointing, number of countable items.
- Use 'some' for both countable and uncountable nouns in positive sentences: 'I have some water.'
- Use 'few' (without 'a') to mean 'not many' or 'not enough': 'Few people attended.'
- Use 'a few' to mean 'a small number' in a positive way: 'I have a few friends.'
Overview
some और few का सही इस्तेमाल करना आपको एक बेहतर और सटीक वक्ता बनाता है। हिंदी में हम अक्सर मात्रा बताने के लिए 'थोड़ा', 'कुछ', या 'कम' जैसे शब्दों का प्रयोग करते हैं, लेकिन इंग्लिश में यह चुनाव केवल मात्रा पर नहीं, बल्कि आपकी 'भावना' (connotation) पर निर्भर करता है। यह समझना बहुत ज़रूरी है कि आप क्या कहना चाह रहे हैं—क्या आप बस जानकारी दे रहे हैं, या आप किसी कमी की ओर इशारा कर रहे हैं?some एक तटस्थ (neutral) शब्द है, जबकि few का प्रयोग एक नकारात्मक भाव (negative connotation) के साथ होता है, जिसका मतलब है—उम्मीद से कम या 'ना के बराबर'।some tea कहेंगे। लेकिन अगर आप कहते हैं, «यहाँ बहुत कम लोग हैं,» तो आप few people का इस्तेमाल करेंगे। अगर आप few का इस्तेमाल करते हैं, तो सुनने वाला समझ जाएगा कि आप निराश हैं या आपको लग रहा है कि संख्या कम है। यह सूक्ष्म अंतर (nuance) ही आपको एक साधारण इंग्लिश बोलने वाले से एक 'नेचुरल' इंग्लिश स्पीकर बनाता है।some, few, और a few का उपयोग दो मुख्य चीज़ों पर टिका है: संज्ञा (Noun) का प्रकार और आपका नज़रिया। हिंदी में हम 'गिनने योग्य' (countable) और 'न गिनने योग्य' (uncountable) के बीच इतना कड़ा भेद नहीं करते, लेकिन इंग्लिश में यह अनिवार्य है।- 1Countable Nouns (जो गिने जा सकते हैं, जैसे
friends,cars,books):
Some: यह सबसे आसान है। इसका मतलब है 'कुछ'। यह तटस्थ है। जैसे:I have
(मेरे दिल्ली में कुछ दोस्त हैं।)somefriends in Delhi.A few: इसका मतलब है 'थोड़े से' या 'कुछ'। यह सकारात्मक या तटस्थ है। जैसे:I have
(मेरे दिल्ली में कुछ दोस्त हैं—यहाँ संख्या कम है लेकिन पर्याप्त है।)a fewfriends in Delhi.Few: इसका मतलब है 'बहुत कम' या 'ना के बराबर'। यह नकारात्मक है। जैसे:I have
(मेरे दिल्ली में बहुत ही कम दोस्त हैं—यहाँ आप अकेलेपन या कमी को महसूस कर रहे हैं।)fewfriends in Delhi.
- 1Uncountable Nouns (जो गिने नहीं जा सकते, जैसे
water,time,money,information):
few या a few का इस्तेमाल बिल्कुल गलत है। इनके लिए little का प्रयोग होता है।Some:I need
(मुझे थोड़ा पानी चाहिए।)somewater.A little:I have
(मेरे पास थोड़ा समय है—काम चल जाएगा।)a littletime.Little:I have
(मेरे पास बहुत कम समय है—काम नहीं हो पाएगा।)littletime.
few केवल लोगों या वस्तुओं के लिए है, जबकि little तरल पदार्थों या अमूर्त (abstract) चीज़ों के लिए।some | Countable/Uncountable | Neutral | An unspecified amount | some apples / some milk |a few | Plural Countable | Neutral/Positive | A small number | a few friends |few | Plural Countable | Negative | Not enough | few people came |a little | Uncountable | Neutral/Positive | A small amount | a little sugar |little | Uncountable | Negative | Not enough | little patience |a लगाने से अर्थ बदल जाता है। a few (कुछ) और few (बहुत कम) में ज़मीन-आसमान का अंतर है।Someका प्रयोग: जब आप किसी चीज़ की मौजूदगी बताना चाहते हैं। जैसे ऑफिस में मीटिंग के दौरान:We have
(हमें कुछ मुद्दों पर चर्चा करनी है।) यह बहुत ही प्रोफेशनल और न्यूट्रल है।someissues to discuss.
A fewका प्रयोग: जब आप किसी छोटी संख्या के बारे में बात कर रहे हों और वह संख्या आपके लिए संतोषजनक हो। जैसे बाज़ार में:I bought
(मैंने थोड़े आम खरीदे।)a fewmangoes.
Fewका प्रयोग: जब आप किसी कमी पर ज़ोर देना चाहते हैं। जैसे क्रिकेट कमेंट्री में:
(बहुत कम बल्लेबाज़ इस पिच पर छक्का मार पाए हैं—यहाँ आप चुनौती की बात कर रहे हैं।)Fewbatsmen have been able to hit a six on this pitch.
Littleका प्रयोग: जब आप किसी चीज़ की कमी के कारण परेशान हों। जैसे:There is
(उम्मीद बहुत कम बची है।)littlehope left.
a few की जगह few बोल देंगे, तो लोग सोचेंगे कि आप शिकायत कर रहे हैं।- 1
Fewका अनकाउंटेबल के साथ प्रयोग: हिंदी में हम 'कम पानी' और 'कम लोग' दोनों के लिए 'कम' इस्तेमाल करते हैं। इसलिए हम गलती से कहते हैं,I have
यह गलत है। सही होगा:fewmoney.I have
littlemoney.
- 1
Aको छोड़ देना: हम अक्सरa fewकी जगह बसfewबोल देते हैं। हिंदी में 'थोड़े' का मतलब 'कुछ' होता है, लेकिन इंग्लिश मेंfewका मतलब 'बहुत कम' होता है। अगर आप कहना चाहते हैं कि «मेरे पास कुछ दोस्त हैं,» तोI have few friendsन कहें, क्योंकि इसका मतलब होगा «मेरे दोस्त न के बराबर हैं।» सही है:I have a few friends.
- 1Subject-Verb Agreement:
Fewऔरa fewहमेशा प्लुरल (बहुवचन) होते हैं। हम अक्सर कहते हैं,
यह गलत है। सही है:A fewstudent is here.A fewstudents are here.
Some vs Any | 'कुछ' vs 'कोई' | Some positive में, Any negative/question में |Few vs Many | 'कम' vs 'बहुत' | Few कमी दिखाता है, Many अधिकता |Little vs Much | 'थोड़ा' vs 'बहुत' | Little कमी दिखाता है, Much अधिकता |- 1क्या
someको countable और uncountable दोनों के साथ इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं?
some सबसे बहुमुखी है। some books (countable) और some water (uncountable) दोनों बिल्कुल सही हैं।- 1अगर मुझे कहना हो 'बहुत कम', तो क्या मैं
very fewकह सकता हूँ?
very few का प्रयोग आप और अधिक ज़ोर देने के लिए कर सकते हैं। जैसे: Very few people know the truth.- 1क्या
a fewऔरsomeमें कोई अंतर है?
some अनिश्चित है, जबकि a few यह बताता है कि संख्या छोटी है। दोनों का इस्तेमाल लगभग एक जैसी स्थितियों में किया जा सकता है, लेकिन a few थोड़ा अधिक सटीक है।Usage with Noun Types
| Quantifier | Countable Plural | Uncountable | Connotation |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Some
|
Yes (some books)
|
Yes (some water)
|
Neutral
|
|
A few
|
Yes (a few pens)
|
No
|
Positive (enough)
|
|
Few
|
Yes (few pens)
|
No
|
Negative (not many)
|
|
A little
|
No
|
Yes (a little salt)
|
Positive (enough)
|
|
Little
|
No
|
Yes (little salt)
|
Negative (not much)
|
Meanings
These words are quantifiers used to describe the amount or number of something without being precise. 'Some' is general, while 'few' focuses on the smallness of the count.
Indefinite Quantity (Some)
Used to refer to an unspecified amount of an uncountable noun or an unspecified number of a countable noun.
“I need some milk for the coffee.”
“Some students were late today.”
Small Positive Number (A Few)
Used with plural countable nouns to indicate a small number, usually with a positive connotation (enough).
“I have a few minutes to talk.”
“A few people stayed after the show.”
Scarcity/Negative Emphasis (Few)
Used with plural countable nouns to emphasize that the number is very small, often implying 'not enough' or 'hardly any'.
“Few people know the truth.”
“He has few friends in this city.”
Reference Table
| शब्द (Quantifier) | मतलब (Meaning) | भाव (Connotation) | किसके साथ (Noun Type) | उदाहरण (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
some
|
कुछ / थोड़ा
|
न्यूट्रल (Neutral)
|
Countable और Uncountable दोनों
|
I need some sugar.
|
|
few
|
ना के बराबर
|
नेगेटिव (Negative)
|
सिर्फ Countable (Plural)
|
Few guests remembered to RSVP.
|
|
a few
|
थोड़े बहुत
|
पॉजिटिव (Positive)
|
सिर्फ Countable (Plural)
|
I have a few emails to send.
|
|
little
|
ना के बराबर
|
नेगेटिव (Negative)
|
सिर्फ Uncountable
|
There's little hope left.
|
|
a little
|
थोड़ा सा
|
पॉजिटिव (Positive)
|
सिर्फ Uncountable
|
Add a little salt.
|
औपचारिकता का स्तर
He possesses few acquaintances in the corporate sphere. (Social status)
He has few friends in the city. (Social status)
He doesn't really have many friends here. (Social status)
He's got like zero friends. (Social status)
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
I have some apples in my bag.
I have some apples in my bag.
There are a few books on the table.
There are a few books on the table.
Can I have some water, please?
Can I have some water, please?
I see a few birds in the tree.
I see a few birds in the tree.
We need some eggs to make the cake.
We need some eggs to make the cake.
I have a few questions about the homework.
I have a few questions about the homework.
There are some people waiting outside.
There are some people waiting outside.
He only has a few dollars left.
He only has a few dollars left.
Few people attended the meeting because of the rain.
Few people attended the meeting because of the rain.
I've got a few ideas that might work for the project.
I've got a few ideas that might work for the project.
Could you give me some advice on which car to buy?
Could you give me some advice on which car to buy?
Very few students passed the difficult exam.
Very few students passed the difficult exam.
Some might say that the plan is too risky.
Some might say that the plan is too risky.
Few historical events have had such a lasting impact.
Few historical events have had such a lasting impact.
I have a few concerns regarding the new policy.
I have a few concerns regarding the new policy.
Some of the members were not present at the vote.
Some of the members were not present at the vote.
Few, if any, of the original buildings remain standing.
Few, if any, of the original buildings remain standing.
There is some truth to the rumors, though they are exaggerated.
There is some truth to the rumors, though they are exaggerated.
A few well-chosen words can change a person's mind.
A few well-chosen words can change a person's mind.
Few things are as important as family.
Few things are as important as family.
That was some party you threw last night!
That was some party you threw last night!
Few and far between are the opportunities for such a discovery.
Few and far between are the opportunities for such a discovery.
Some twenty years have passed since we last met.
Some twenty years have passed since we last met.
The critics had few good things to say about the premiere.
The critics had few good things to say about the premiere.
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both mean 'not much/many', but learners use them with the wrong noun types.
Learners use 'some' in negative sentences.
Learners aren't sure which one is bigger.
सामान्य गलतियाँ
I have few water.
I have some water.
I have some book.
I have some books.
I don't have some money.
I don't have any money.
A few people is here.
A few people are here.
I have few friends (when happy).
I have a few friends.
There are some of milk.
There is some milk.
He has a few of time.
He has a little time.
Few of students passed.
Few of the students passed.
I have a few interest in art.
I have some interest in art.
Quite few people came.
Quite a few people came.
The few of information we have...
The little information we have...
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
I have some ___ in my ___.
There are a few ___ on the ___.
Few people believe that ___.
Some of the ___ were ___.
Real World Usage
Hey, I'm gonna be a few mins late!
I have some experience with Python and a few projects on GitHub.
Can I get some extra napkins, please?
Few things are better than a beach day. ☀️
Some scholars argue that the data is inconclusive.
Walk for a few blocks and then turn left.
कन्फ्यूजन हो तो 'Some' चुनो
some सबसे सेफ और न्यूट्रल चॉइस है। जैसे: I have some questions.
Uncountable के साथ 'Few' कभी मत लगाना
Few सिर्फ उन चीज़ों के लिए है जिन्हें गिन सकते हैं। पानी या वक्त के लिए little इस्तेमाल करो: There is little time left.
'Few' से बात में वज़न डालो
few का इस्तेमाल करो। जैसे: Many applied, but few were chosen.
लहजे का ध्यान रखो
few थोड़ा रूखा या नेगेटिव लग सकता है। लोग अक्सर इसे नरम बनाने के लिए very few या not many कहते हैं: Not many people know.
Smart Tips
Always add the 'a' before 'few'. It makes you sound satisfied rather than disappointed.
Always use 'some' instead of 'any' to make the offer sound more welcoming.
Use 'few' to highlight a lack of evidence or support for an argument.
Try to put a number in front of it. If 'three waters' sounds weird, use 'some' or 'little'.
उच्चारण
The 'a' in 'a few'
The 'a' is often reduced to a schwa /ə/ and linked to 'few'.
Some reduction
In fast speech, 'some' is reduced to /səm/.
Emphasis on 'Few'
There were FEW survivors. (Falling tone on few)
Emphasizes the sadness or shock of the small number.
याद करें
स्मृति सहायक
A few is 'A'dditive (positive), Few is 'F'ailing (negative).
दृश्य संबंध
Imagine a glass with a little water. If you say 'a few drops,' you are happy to have them. If you say 'few drops,' you are looking at a dry glass sadly.
Rhyme
With 'a' you have plenty, without 'a' it's empty.
Story
Sam had some apples. He gave a few to his friend, so he was happy. But then he had few apples left for himself, so he was sad.
Word Web
चैलेंज
Look around your room. Name 3 things you have 'some' of, 2 things you have 'a few' of, and 1 thing you have 'few' of.
सांस्कृतिक नोट्स
British speakers often use 'a few' ironically to mean 'a lot'. For example, 'He's had a few' usually means someone is quite drunk.
In the Southern US, 'some' can be used for emphasis in ways like 'That's some big dog!'
In academic writing, 'few' is preferred over 'not many' to sound more objective and formal.
From Old English 'sum' (some) and 'fēawa' (few).
बातचीत की शुरुआत
Do you have some free time this weekend?
Can you name a few things you love about your city?
Why do you think few people choose to live in the Arctic?
Some argue that social media is harmful. What is your take?
डायरी विषय
सामान्य गलतियाँ
Test Yourself
I'm worried about the project; we have very ___ time left.
Time एक uncountable नाउन है, इसलिए कमी बताने के लिए हमें little का इस्तेमाल करना होगा।सही वाक्य चुनें:
A few कुछ अच्छे आइडियाज़ होने का पॉजिटिव संकेत देता है। Few का मतलब होता कि आइडियाज़ ना के बराबर हैं।Find and fix the mistake:
The library has few information on that topic.
Information को गिना नहीं जा सकता, इसलिए इसके साथ few नहीं बल्कि little आएगा।Score: /3
अभ्यास प्रश्न
8 exercisesI have ___ friends, so I never feel lonely.
I'm sad because ___ people came to my birthday party.
Find and fix the mistake:
I need few water to drink.
Not many people know about this place.
1. Some, 2. A few, 3. A little
'Few' and 'A few' can be used with the word 'Money'.
A: Are you hungry? B: Yes, can I have ___ cookies?
A few vs. Few
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe party was a bit sad. ___ people showed up.
Could you please buy ___ apples from the store? We don't need many.
There are a few water left in the bottle.
निराशा जताने वाला वाक्य चुनें:
इंग्लिश में अनुवाद करें: 'क्वांटम फिजिक्स समझने वाले लोग बहुत ही कम हैं।' (ज़ोर देते हुए)
इन शब्दों को सही क्रम में रखें:
सही जोड़ी मिलाएं:
Of the hundreds of people at the conference, ___ came to our booth.
She has some knowledges about fixing cars.
सही वाक्य चुनें:
अनुवाद करें: 'वहाँ कुछ विकल्प मौजूद हैं।' (पॉजिटिव भाव)
वाक्य को सही क्रम में लिखें:
Score: /12
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (8)
Yes, but usually only for offers (`Would you like some?`) or requests (`Can I have some?`). For general questions, use `any`.
`A few` is positive (some/enough), while `few` is negative (not many/not enough).
Yes, using `few` without `a` is more common in formal writing and literature than in casual conversation.
Yes, use `a few of the` when referring to a specific group. Example: `A few of the students were late.`
Because `milk` is uncountable. You must use `little milk` or `some milk`.
Sometimes! In informal English, `some` + singular noun can mean 'an unknown person/thing'. Example: `Some guy called you.`
It's an idiom that actually means `a lot` or `a significant number`.
Yes. Example: `Many were invited, but few came.`
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
algunos / pocos
English uses the article 'a' to change the emotional tone.
quelques / peu
French 'quelques' is used more often than 'some' for countable items.
einige / wenige
German 'ein paar' (lowercase 'p') means 'a few', while 'ein Paar' (uppercase 'P') means 'a pair'.
いくつかの (ikutsuka no) / 少ない (sukunai)
Japanese lacks the count/uncount grammatical distinction.
بعض (ba'd) / قليل (qalil)
Arabic uses the same word for 'few' and 'little'.
一些 (yìxiē) / 很少 (hěn shǎo)
Chinese relies on measure words and lacks plural nouns.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
संबंधित वीडियो
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Few, A Few, Little, A Little का सही प्रयोग
Spoken English Guru
Determiners in English Grammar
Dear Sir
Related Grammar Rules
बोली बनाम भाषा: क्या अंतर है?
### Overview जब हम अंग्रेजी सीखते हैं, तो अक्सर हमारे मन में यह सवाल आता है कि क्या हम एक 'भाषा' (language) सीख रहे हैं...
आजकल बनाम अब-एक-दिन: क्या अंतर है?
### Overview नमस्ते! आज हम English के एक बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण और अक्सर गलत इस्तेमाल किए जाने वाले शब्द `nowadays` के बारे...
Let them बनाम Let they: क्या अंतर है?
### Overview English grammar में `let them` और `let they` के बीच का अंतर समझना उन बुनियादी चीज़ों में से एक है, जो आपकी...
Quite बनाम Quiet: क्या अंतर है?
### Overview English भाषा सीखते समय हमारे सामने कई ऐसी चुनौतियाँ आती हैं जहाँ शब्द दिखने में लगभग एक जैसे होते हैं, लेक...
Said बनाम Told: क्या अंतर है?
### Overview जब हम English सीखते हैं, तो कुछ शब्द ऐसे होते हैं जो दिखने में लगभग एक जैसे लगते हैं और उनका मतलब भी समान...
