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March 24, 2026
多少duōshao(duo1shao5)
多少 (duōshǎo) is used to inquire about quantity or amount. It can mean 'how much' or 'how many' and is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as asking for prices or counting items.
Frequency#360DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing prices and costs is common in daily conversations, especially in markets and shops, reflecting the importance of bargaining and financial awareness.
Memory Tip
Think of '多' (duō) as 'more' and '少' (shǎo) as 'less.' Imagine a scale balancing more on one side and less on the other, representing the question of how much is on each side.
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AI Study Notes for 多少
Quick Contrast
多少 (duōshǎo) vs 多少个 (duōshǎo gè) — use 多少 for general inquiries about amount, and 多少个 specifically when counting discrete items.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '多' (duō) as 'more' and '少' (shǎo) as 'less.' Imagine a scale balancing more on one side and less on the other, representing the question of how much is on each side.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 多少 with 几 (jǐ), which is used for asking about small quantities (1-10). 多少 is more suitable for larger amounts or when the quantity is uncertain. It is typically used in questions, e.g., '这本书多少钱?' (How much is this book?).
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 1 vocabulary, students should practice using 多少 in questions and answers. Focus on forming simple questions and understanding the context in which to use this word.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing prices and costs is common in daily conversations, especially in markets and shops, reflecting the importance of bargaining and financial awareness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 多少 with 几, using 多少 when asking about specific small quantities, which can be incorrect. For example, saying '你有多少苹果?' (How many apples do you have?) is wrong if the expected answer is less than ten; use '几' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 多少
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Grammar Patterns of 多少
多少 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
It's still not known how many died in the volleys of gunfire.
Cultural Notes for 多少
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussing prices and costs is common in daily conversations, especially in markets and shops, reflecting the importance of bargaining and financial awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 多少
Yes, 多少 can be used to ask about both countable and uncountable nouns.
You can respond with a specific number or amount, for example, '50块' (50 yuan) or '很多' (a lot).
Yes, 多少 is appropriate for both formal and informal situations.
