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"Poco" is an adjective which is often translated as "little", and "un poco" is a phrase which is often translated as "a little". Learn more about the difference between "poco" and "un 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.
un poco(
oon
poh
-
koh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. a little
¿Le pones azúcar al café? - Solo ponle un poco.Do you want sugar in your coffee? - Just add a little.
b. some
Ha sobrado un poco. Lo podemos cenar esta noche.There's some left. We can have it for dinner tonight.
c. a bit (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
La conocía un poco del colegio.I knew her a bit from school.
b. a bit (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Todavía te duele la cabeza? - Un poco, pero ya me siento mejor.Does your head still hurt? - A bit, but I'm feeling better now.
3. (fairly)
a. a little
Estoy un poco cansado, así que me voy a dormir la siesta.I'm a little tired, so I'm going to have a siesta.
b. a bit (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Es un poco tarde para llamar, ¿no crees?It's a bit late to call, don't you think?
