Explanation for 些 (xiē)

Meaning:

些 means “some” or “a few” and is used to indicate an indefinite or small quantity of something. It is often used with a noun to express plurality but without specifying the exact number.

When to Use:

1. To Indicate Plurality or Small Quantity

Use 些 after a measure word or directly after 这 (zhè – this) or 那 (nà – that) to indicate “some” or “a few.”

Structure:
[这/那] + 些 + [Noun]

Examples:

• 这些书是我的。
  (Zhè xiē shū shì wǒ de.) – These books are mine.
• 我买了一些水果。
  (Wǒ mǎi le yī xiē shuǐ guǒ.) – I bought some fruit.

2. To Indicate an Indefinite Amount

Use 些 with verbs like 有 (yǒu – have), 买 (mǎi – buy), 拿 (ná – take), etc., to express an indefinite quantity.

Examples:

• 我需要一些帮助。
  (Wǒ xū yào yī xiē bāng zhù.) – I need some help.
• 他带了些衣服去旅行。
  (Tā dài le xiē yī fu qù lǚ xíng.) – He brought some clothes for the trip.

3. To Ask for “Which Ones”

When used with 哪些 (nǎ xiē), it asks “which ones.”

Examples:

• 你喜欢哪些电影？
  (Nǐ xǐ huān nǎ xiē diàn yǐng?) – Which movies do you like?
• 那些人是谁？
  (Nà xiē rén shì shuí?) – Who are those people?

4. Common Expressions with 些

• 一些: some
  Example: 我们买了一些食物。
  (Wǒ men mǎi le yī xiē shí wù.) – We bought some food.
• 这些: these
  Example: 这些花很漂亮。
  (Zhè xiē huā hěn piào liàng.) – These flowers are beautiful.
• 那些: those
  Example: 那些人很友好。
  (Nà xiē rén hěn yǒu hǎo.) – Those people are very friendly.