French word

quelques-uns

Pronunciation

IPA/kɛlkəzœ̃/

Meaning

  • pronounsome

Example

J'en ai lu quelques-uns.

I've read some of them.

Illustration for quelques-uns (some)

More examples

Je connais quelques-uns qui peuvent aider.

I know some people who can help.

Core concept

A small handful from a larger group, with the particular items left unspecified.

Common phrases

  • quelques-uns de ces livres

    some of these books

  • parler avec quelques-uns

    talk with some people

Similar words

certains: Some of the previously mentioned things, without stating exactly which ones.
plusieurs: Several things, meaning at least two.
d'autres: Other things that exist separately in the context.

Definition in French

Indique quelques éléments d'un groupe sans préciser lesquels et s'accorde en genre.

Word origin

Quelques-uns combines quelques, ultimately from Latin qualis through Old French, with uns, descended from Latin unus, to form a plural indefinite pronoun.

Usage tips

  • The masculine form is quelques-uns, while the feminine form is quelques-unes when the omitted nouns are feminine.

Other meanings

  • severalnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word