十几 — meaning in English: a dozen

shí jǐ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for dozen

父亲

fùqīn

无序

wú xù

十几

shí jǐ

电视

diànshì

光

guāng

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informal common

Usage

Native speakers use the term 十几 (shí jǐ) when discussing quantities that are between ten and twenty, often in informal settings like shopping or planning an event. For example, one might say, 'I need 十几 apples for the party,' when they aren't sure of the exact number but know it will be more than ten.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 十几 is 几十 (jǐ shí), which means 'several tens.' While 十几 specifically refers to a range just beyond ten, 几十 implies a broader range, potentially extending into the thirties. Use 十几 when you're looking for a specific estimate just over ten.

Culture

The word 十几 (shí jǐ) highlights the Chinese counting system, which is known for its logical structure. In everyday conversation, this term reflects a common practice of estimating quantities, which ties back to traditional Chinese values of community and sharing—making it a fun and practical word to know!

FAQ

Q.What does 十几 mean in English?

十几 (shí jǐ) translates to 'a dozen' in English, referring to a quantity between ten and twenty.

Q.How do you use 十几 in a sentence?

You can use 十几 in sentences like, 'We have 十几 guests coming to dinner,' to indicate that you expect more than ten but are uncertain of the exact number.

Q.Is 十几 used in formal writing?

No, 十几 is considered informal and is typically used in spoken language or casual writing. In formal contexts, you might want to provide a more precise number.

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