Definitions
(adjective)
many; much; numerous; a lot of
(adjective)
more; in excess
(adverb)
often; frequently
(adverb)
how (to what extent)
Etymology
Depicts two pieces of meat together to convey the meaning "much" or "plentiful". In ancient China meat was a rare treat. Unrelated to 夕.
About
多 is an ideogrammic compound formed by repeating 夕, which originally depicted a crescent moon or evening. This repetition visually conveys accumulation over successive nights, representing abundance, large quantity, or plurality. Its primary meaning is the adjective for "many" or "much", directly contrasting with a small amount. The meaning extends to indicate surplus or excess, and it is widely used in questions about degree or quantity, translating as "how much" or "to what extent".
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我有很多朋友。
这里多漂亮啊！
多吃饭，少说话。
我们多次见过面。
多了解一些情况。
你知道他多大了吗？
这个问题多复杂啊！
多参加活动能交很多朋友。