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"A little" is a phrase which is often translated as "un poco", and "a lot" is an adverb which is often translated as "mucho". Learn more about the difference between "a little" and "a lot" below.
a little(
uh
 
lih
-
duhl
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. un poco
I should have added a little salt to the stew.Debería haberle añadido un poco de sal al guisado.
a. un rato
Don't worry, your mom will be back in a little.No te preocupes, tu mamá regresará en un rato.
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a lot(
uh
 
lat
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. mucho
Since we live a block from the beach, we swim a lot.Como vivimos a una cuadra de la playa, nadamos mucho.
b. un montón
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Both my wife and I are retired, so we travel a lot.Mi esposa y yo estamos los dos jubilados, así que viajamos un montón.
a. mucho
This restaurant is a lot better than the one we went to last night.Este restaurante es mucho mejor que al que fuimos anoche.
b. un montón
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Janet has changed a lot since she started working. She's become more responsible.Janet ha cambiado un montón desde que empezó a trabajar. Se ha vuelto más responsable.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. muchos
You can keep that pen. I have a lot.Puedes quedarte con ese bolígrafo. Tengo muchos.
b. muchas
How many people came to the party? - A lot.¿Cuántas personas vinieron a la fiesta? - Muchas.
c. un montón
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
I got a lot of presents for my birthday.Me hicieron un montón de regalos por mi cumpleaños.
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