幾

Quantitative/Interrogative: "How many?" or "how much?"; "a few" or "some" (specifically denoting a small number).

Approximate/Subtle: "Almost," "nearly," or "on the verge of"; an incipient sign, inkling, or infinitesimal precursor to change.

Interrogative: Used for quantities.

Indefinite Pronoun: Denotes a small number.

Adverbial: Precedes a verb or resultative state to indicate that an action nearly occurred or is just about to occur.

Substantive: Functions as a noun referring to subtle manifestations (notably in early Daoist texts such as the Zhuangzi).

Contrast with 少 (shǎo): While both relate to small amounts, 幾 usually functions as an indefinite number ("a few"), whereas 少 typically describes a state of scarcity or deficiency ("few/little").

Variant: U+51E0.

Position often informs the reading: if the glyph precedes a verb or adjective, check first for the adverbial sense of proximity (jī). If it is used as a predicate or in a counting context, it is likely quantitative (jǐ). In metaphysical passages, consider whether it refers to the "subtle sign" as a noun rather than a quantity.