Quelque

Quelque is a French determiner and adverb that means “some,” “a few,” or “somewhat.” It introduces an indefinite quantity and can modify a noun or appear in several common fixed phrases, such as quelque chose (something) or quelquefois (sometimes). It is distinct from the plural form quelques, which marks a small, definite number.

Etymology and range of use

The word derives from Old French quelque, itself from Latin qualis meaning “of what kind.” Over time its sense broadened from a rough descriptor of kind to an indefinite quantity. In modern French, quelque is used with nouns to indicate an approximate, non-specific amount, especially with uncountable concepts or when the speaker does not specify the exact figure.

Usage as a determiner

Before a singular noun, quelque expresses an approximate quantity: quelque temps (some time), quelque argent (some money), quelque idée (some idea). When referring to a plural noun in a definite sense, the form is typically written and spoken as quelques: quelques amis (a few friends), quelques jours (a few days). In practice, eligibly meaning depends on context and formality; some contexts prefer quelques for a definite small number, while quelque before singular nouns emphasizes approximation.

Fixed phrases and related forms

Several common expressions involve quelque in fixed forms. Cela includes quelque chose (something) and quelque part (somewhere). The pronoun quelqu’un (someone) is historically related but is written as a single word and functions independently of the determiner quelque. The adverb quelquefois (sometimes) is another fixed usage, usually written as one word.

Summary

Quelque is a versatile French word used to indicate an indefinite quantity, with a plural counterpart, quelques, for small, definite numbers. It also participates in various fixed phrases such as quelque chose, quelque part, and quelquefois.