apenas o poco

Question

OK. I'll try to be brief with this question

I understand that apenas is an adverb, and poco is an adjective, but I was wondering about the difference between the use of these two words in a context such as the following.

Hablo un poco de español - I speak a little Spanish

Apenas hablo español - I scarcely/with difficulty speak Spanish

Would it be right to say that the first sentence implies that the person's knowledge of Spanish is very limited in scope; whereas, the second sentence refers to the act speaking itself which is difficult/rarely done (but not necessarily limited in scope)?

If my assumption is correct, then what about the following:

apenas tengo dinero - I scarcely/with difficulty have money

Tengo poco dinero - I have little money

Is the difference that the first one is saying essentially that "money is hard to come by;" whereas, the second is stating that the speaker "does not have much money."

Would these be fair interpretations of the differences between the two sets of sentences?

I hope you never have to use such a sentence as "Apenas tengo dinero"!! and certainly not "I have money with difficulty!" :-) - Janice, Sep 9, 2009

Answer 1

With "poco" you get "I have little money" and "I speak a little Spanish", and with "apenas" you get "I barely have money" and "I barely speak Spanish". That's it! "Barely" or "aprenas" is used for the least possible amount. Don't try to over-analyse it.

Answer 2

Thanks Lazarus

Once again you've come through for me...

One more question, though

Don't try to over-analyse it.

Is think I might need a reference article for this