几位？
jǐ wèi?
How many people · trad. 幾位？
几位？ (Jǐ wèi) is a polite way to ask “How many people?” It uses 位 (wèi), which is a polite measure word for people, commonly used in restaurants or by service staff.
What does 几位？ (jǐ wèi?) mean?
几位？ (jǐ wèi?) means “how many people” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “how many polite-counter-for-people?”
When to use it
Polite and commonly used by service staff in restaurants, hotels, or other hospitality settings. When answering, use the number followed by 位, such as 两位 (liǎng wèi, “two people”) or 三位 (sān wèi, “three people”).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “jee WAY.” The first syllable is a rising tone, and the second is a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 几个人？jǐ ge rén?how many people? (more casual)
- 请问几位？qǐngwèn jǐ wèi?excuse me, how many people? (more polite)
- 您好，几位？nínhǎo, jǐ wèi?hello, how many people?
Examples
您好，请问几位？
nínhǎo, qǐngwèn jǐ wèi?
Hello, how many people?
我们有四位。
wǒmen yǒu sì wèi.
We have four people.
请问，你们一共几位？
qǐngwèn, nǐmen yīgòng jǐ wèi?
Excuse me, how many people are in your party?
Pro tip: The measure word 位 (wèi) is specifically for people and adds a layer of politeness, making it appropriate for formal or service-oriented interactions.
Related phrases
让您久等了 · Sorry to keep you waiting请这边走 · This way, please请坐这边 · Please sit over here
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