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"Un poco" is a phrase which is often translated as "a little", and "ya" is an adverb which is often translated as "already". Learn more about the difference between "un poco" and "ya" below.
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?
ya(
yah
)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.
"¡Ya voy!", dijo David al escuchar el timbre."I'm coming!" said David when he heard the doorbell.
Tengo que ir a hacer una llamada. Ya vengo.I have to go make a phone call. I'll be right back.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Perdón, pero ya conseguí una pareja de baile. - Ya veo.I'm sorry, but I already found a dance partner. - I see.
Me las vas a pagar. Ya vas a ver.You're going to pay for that. Just wait and see.
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. whether
Mis fans siempre me apoyaron, ya en las buenas, ya en las malas.My fans always supported me, whether in good times or in bad times.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
8. (colloquial) (used to express annoyance) (Bolivia) (Mexico) (Nicaragua)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Bolivia
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Nicaragua
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Ya, dejen de pelear.Hey, stop fighting.
¡Ya! Intento concentrarme.Knock it off! I'm trying to focus.
