How to Say ‘How many people?’ in Simplified Chinese
几位
jǐ wèi
[jee way]
💬 Usage Tip: [位] is a polite counting word for people, so [几位] is the standard way to ask party size. You can answer with the same pattern: [三位], [四位].
🇨🇳 In China: Staff in restaurants very commonly ask [几位？] right away, even before other details. It sounds normal and polite, not stiff.
Phrase Breakdown
几
jǐ
[jee]
how many
几 asks about a small number and is often used in service situations.
请问几位用餐？
May I ask how many people will be dining?
位
wèi
[way]
person(s)
位 is a polite measure word for people, often used by restaurant staff with customers.
三位已经到了。
The three guests have already arrived.
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