In English, we have different ways to talk about a little bit of a thing or an action; for example, Wait just a minute or Take a (quick) look! In Chinese, it’s common to use 一下 (yíxià, a bit). Check it out!
请等一下。
Qǐng děng yíxià.
Please wait a moment.
(literally) Please wait a bit.
请看一下。
Qǐng kàn yíxià.
Please take a look.
(literally) Please look a bit.
When asking about smaller numbers use 几 (jǐ), which means How many? And don’t forget to use a measure word!
请问，几位？
Qǐngwèn, jǐ wèi?
Excuse me, how many of you?
他们有几个孩子？
Tāmen yǒu jǐ ge háizi?
How many children do they have?
位 (wèi) is used as a measure word instead of 个 (ge) when asking How many people? in a formal setting (for example, when you are greeted at a restaurant). Notice how 位 (wèi) is also repeated in the exchange below.
请问，几位？
Qǐngwèn, jǐ wèi?
Excuse me, how many of you?
两位。
Liǎng wèi.
Two.