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"Poco" is an adjective which is often translated as "little", and "muy poco" is a phrase which is often translated as "very little". Learn more about the difference between "poco" and "muy poco" below.
poco(
poh
-
koh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (not much)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word 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).
a. little
Con lo poco que me quedaba, pude arreglarme.I was able to manage with the little I had left.
6. (not many)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word 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.
muy poco(
mooee
poh
-
koh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. very little
Queda muy poco sitio libre en el salón de actos.There's very little room left in the conference hall.
b. not very much
¿Compro cerveza también? Hay muy poca en la nevera.Shall I buy some beer too? There's not very much in the refrigerator.
c. not very long (indicating time)
¿Cuánto tiempo te vas a quedar en la fiesta? - Muy poco; es que tengo mucho que hacer.How long are you going to stay at the party? - Not very long; I have a lot to do.
a. very little
Esa noche había dormido muy poco. Estaba nervioso.I had slept very little that night. I was nervous.
