a little: 有一點(帶正面的含意) little: 幾乎一點也沒有(帶負面的含意)

I have a little money. 我有一點錢 I have little money. 我沒什麼錢

A few firends came to see him. 有幾位朋友來看他，他心裡很開心。 Few friends came to see him. 簡直沒什麼朋友來看他，他很失望。