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"Mucha" is a form of "mucho", an adjective which is often translated as "a lot of". "Poca" is a form of "poco", an adjective which is often translated as "little". Learn more about the difference between "mucha" and "poca" below.
mucho(
moo
-
choh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. a lot of
Hay mucha gente en la playa hoy.There are a lot of people at the beach today.
b. much (used with uncountable nouns)
¿Hay mucho desempleo en esa área?Is there much unemployment in that area?
c. many (used with plural nouns)
No hay muchas habitaciones en este hotel.There aren't many rooms in this hotel.
a. too much (used with uncountable nouns)
Es mucha responsabilidad para un niño tan joven.It's too much responsibility for such a young child.
b. too many (used with plural nouns)
Me diste muchas naranjas; solo quiero unas pocas.You gave me too many oranges; I only want a few.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. a lot
¿Queda mucho por hacer?Is there a lot left to do?
b. much (replaces an uncountable noun)
¿Quieres que compre queso? - Sí, no queda mucho.Do you want me to buy cheese. - Yes, there isn't much left.
c. many (replaces a plural noun)
¿Todavía hay flores en el jardín? - Sí, muchas sobrevivieron la sequía.Are there still flowers in the garden? - Yes, many survived the drought.
d. plenty
¿Quieres llevarte algunas manzanas? Tenemos muchas.Would you like to take some apples with you? We have plenty.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. a lot
Estudia mucho, pero le cuesta mucho la escuela.He studies a lot, but he finds school hard.
b. much
Me sentí mucho mejor después de dormir bien.I felt much better after sleeping well.
a. a long time
Mi esposo se tarda mucho en bañarse.My husband always takes a long time to shower.
a. much
No corro mucho, pero sí me gusta.I don't run much, but I do like it.
a. hard
Los obreros de la construcción trabajan mucho.Construction workers work hard.
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poco(
poh
-
koh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. little
Nos queda muy poco vino para los invitados.We have very little wine left for the guests.
b. not much
Había poca agua caliente para la ducha.There wasn't much hot water to shower.
c. few (plural)
Pocos profesores dejan huella en sus alumnos como el señor Blanco.Few teachers make an impression on their students like Mr. Blanco.
d. not many (plural)
Pocas personas asistieron al funeral.Not many people went to the funeral.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Duerme muy poco los fines de semana.He doesn't sleep much on weekends.
Últimamente nos vemos muy poco.We don't see much of each other lately.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. little
Con lo poco que me quedaba, pude arreglarme.I was able to manage with the little I had left.
a. a little
Solo quiero un poco; estoy a dieta.I only want a little; I'm on a diet.
a. not long
Falta muy poco para las Navidades.It's not long till Christmas.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Menos mal que pocos piensan como él.It's just as well not many people think like he does.
Hay pocos que se molestarían en ayudarlo como tú.There are few who would bother helping him like you do.
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