一些 — meaning in English

English meaning

• any det Used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives.
• certain adj Completely confident that something is true.
• several det More than two or three, but not very many.
• some determiner An unspecified but limited amount or number of something.

Senses

一些 is used for these senses in English:

• a few A small number of (a set of countable items); more than one but not very many; especially, more than two but not very many (explained in usage note at several).
• a few A small number of things.
• any (negative polarity item, or, interrogative, chiefly with plural or uncountable nouns) One at all; at least one; at least one kind of; some; a positive quantity of.
• certain (euphemism, preceded by "a") Used to denote that the speaker is referring to a specific person or thing that they do not want to name directly, implying that the listener should infer the identity of the referent.
• kind of (idiomatic, colloquial) Slightly; somewhat; sort of.
• several Consisting of a number more than one (especially, more than two) but not very many. [from 17th c.]
• some A nonzero, unspecified quantity or number of (an unbounded set of countable things).
• sort of (informal) Sometimes expressing hesitation, reluctance, etc.: to some extent but not entirely; approximately, in a way, not quite, somewhat.

any — full definition

1. det Used to refer to one or some of a thing, without specifying which, especially in questions and negatives.
2. det No matter which one; every single one, without exception.
3. adv At all; to any extent (used to intensify a comparison, usually negative).
4. pron Any person or thing at all, unspecified.

certain — full definition

1. adj Completely confident that something is true.
2. adj Sure to happen; inevitable.
3. det Used to refer to a specific but unnamed person or thing.

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