a few vs few

Wie unterscheiden sich diese Begriffe?

The phrase "a few" refers to a small number of items or people, typically suggesting a positive or sufficient quantity. For example, saying "I have a few friends" implies that the speaker has a manageable and meaningful number of friendships. In contrast, "few" denotes a scarcity or a lesser amount, often carrying a negative connotation. For instance, saying "I have few friends" suggests loneliness or a lack of social connections. Thus, while both phrases indicate a small quantity, "a few" conveys a sense of adequacy, whereas "few" implies deficiency.