un poco
/um ˈpoko/
The English phrase "a bit" is translated into Spanish as un poco.
Un poco is a common way to express a small amount or degree of something in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (a/one) and poco (little/bit).
Which one should you use?
While un poco is the standard form, you might encounter other variations: un poquito is a diminutive used to soften a request or make a polite inquiry. Un pelín is a playful expression used to convey a teeny bit or just a tiny amount. If you are referring to a short period of time rather than an amount, use un ratito, which means a little while.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in Latin America, the informal phrase un cachito is used to mean a bit.
How does it change in a sentence?
When un poco is used as an adverb to modify an adjective or a verb, it does not require de.
How do you pronounce it?
/um ˈpoko/
Did you know?
- The phrase un pelín is a colorful way to say 'a tiny bit' and literally refers to the thickness of a hair.
- Spanish speakers often use un poco as a linguistic softener to avoid being too blunt or critical when giving an opinion.
- The word poco shares its ancient roots with the English word 'few', both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European source.
Examples in context
- ¿Un poco de café?A bit of coffee?This sentence is useful for offering a small amount of coffee.Tatoeba #1249630 by Shishir, translation #9668378 by DJ_Saidez
- Soy un poco raro.I'm a bit strange.This sentence shows how to use un poco to modify an adjective.Tatoeba #2223675 by Shishir, translation #9169177 by DJ_Saidez
- Es un poco débil.It's a bit flimsy.This sentence demonstrates using un poco to describe a quality.Tatoeba #5982135 by albrusgher, translation #3730196 by CM
- Necesitaríamos un tanto más de información para procederWe would need a bit more information to proceed
- ¿Podría explicármelo un poquito más, por favor?Could you explain it to me a bit more, please?
- Espérame un ratitoWait for me a bit
- ¿Puedes esperarme un ratito?Can you wait for me a bit?
- Solo necesito un pelín de ayudaI just need a bit of help
- Necesito hablar contigo un poco más tardeI need to speak with you a bit later
- 241 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are walking in a park.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿tienes un poco de agua?Sofía, do you have a bit of water?
- SofíaSí, tengo un poco en mi mochila.Yes, I have a bit in my backpack.
- AlejandroGracias, tengo un poco de sed.Thanks, I am a bit thirsty.
- SofíaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un poco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poco, un, un poco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
