Using unos cuantos/unas cuantas + noun for "a few" (quantitative adjectives)

Learn how to say "a few" in Spanish

In Spanish, to express "a few" we can use "unos cuantos/unas cuantas".

This is always used in the plural form, as it always refers to more than one [something]. It can refer to things or people.

Let's see some examples:

He visto a Javier con unos cuantos amigos en el parque.I saw Javier with a few friends in the park.

Voy a salir tarde porque tengo que hacer unas cuantas llamadas urgentes.I am going to leave late because I need to make a few urgent calls.

Ha ahorrado unos cuantos euros para salir de copas este sábado.She has saved a few euros to go out drinking this Saturday.

Había unas cuantas personas esperando el autobús.There were a few people waiting for the bus.

Notice how unos cuantos and unas cuantas need to agree with the noun they refer to. 

See also Difference between "poco" and "un poco" in Spanish 

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Examples and resources

Voy a salir tarde porque tengo que hacer unas cuantas llamadas urgentes.I am going to leave late because I need to make a few urgent calls.
He visto a Javier con unos cuantos amigos en el parque.I saw Javier with a few friends in the park.
Había unas cuantas personas esperando el autobús.There were a few people waiting for the bus.
Ha ahorrado unos cuantos euros para salir de copas este sábado.She has saved a few euros to go out drinking this Saturday.
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