几
jǐ
Using "ji" to mean "several"
The same 几 that asks "how many" also states "a few" when it isn't a question.
几 + Measure Word + Noun
How it works
桌子上有几本书 — there are a few books on the table. Nothing marks the difference but context and intonation.
It usually implies a small number, roughly two to nine. 十几 means "ten-something" and 几十 means "dozens".
Examples
zhuō zi shàng yǒu jǐ běn shū
桌子上有几本书。
There are a few books on the table.
wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ jǐ gè wèn tí
我想问你几个问题。
I'd like to ask you a few questions.
tā lái le shí jǐ cì
他来了十几次。
He's come a dozen-odd times.