hace pocos años

only a few years ago

hace pocos años

phrase

1. (only a few years back)

a. only a few years ago

El país no ha existido siempre, se creó hace pocos años, tras un acuerdo entre los países colindantes.

The country has not always existed; it was only created a few years ago, following an agreement between neighboring countries.

b. it's only been a few years since

Hace pocos años que murió mi padre. Mi madre todavía no lo ha superado.

It's only been a few years since my father died. My mother hasn't got over it yet.

2. (only during the last few years)

a. only for a few years

¿Javier y tú iban juntos a la escuela primaria? - No, hace pocos años que nos conocemos.

Did you and Javier go to elementary school together? - No, we've only known each other for a few years.

b. only a few years

Hace pocos años que vivimos aquí. Nuestro hijo Pedrito era ya un adolescente.

We've only been living here a few years. Our son Pedrito was already a teenager.

c. it's only been a few years since

Hace pocos años que hago kárate, pero ya soy cinturón negro.

It's only been a few years since I started doing karate, but I'm already a black belt.