unos
/ˈunos/
In Spanish, "a few" is translated as unos.
unos is used as a determiner to mean a small number of something. It is a neutral term, unlike its related form pocos, which often carries a negative connotation implying there are not enough of something.
Meaning: a small number of (det)
Which one should you use?
While unos means "a few" or "some", it is also frequently used to mean "approximately" when referring to numbers. For emphasis, you can use unos pocos to mean "only a few", highlighting that the number is specifically small.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Spain, the colloquial phrase un par de is often used to refer to "a few".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. While unos is the masculine form, you should use unas when modifying feminine nouns. Additionally, while unos acts as a determiner, the related form pocos can function as a pronoun to mean "a small number of things".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈunos/
Did you know?
- The word unos shares its lineage with the English word 'one', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root for the number 1.
- If you say you have un par de things, you might actually have more than two. In many Spanish-speaking regions, this phrase is used loosely to mean 'a few' rather than the literal 'a pair of'.
- The distinction between unos and pocos is so strong that using pocos when you mean unos can accidentally signal your disappointment or dissatisfaction with the amount.
Examples in context
- Volverá en unos días.He will come back in a few days.This sentence uses unos to describe a period of days.Tatoeba #1507500 by Shishir, translation #288467 by CS
- Murió hace unos años.She died a few years ago.This sentence uses unos to indicate a number of years.Tatoeba #2868163 by Shishir, translation #4239922 by danepo
- Toma unos días libres.Take a few days off.This sentence uses unos to quantify days off.Tatoeba #4466701 by senryakun, translation #3635959 by CK
- Me gustaría comprar unos pocos libros.I would like to buy a few books.
- Necesito un par de días más para terminar el informe.I need a few more days to finish the report.
- Me quedan unos cuantos caramelos. ¿Quieres alguno?I have a few candies left. Do you want one?
- ¿Puedo pedir un par de favores?Can I ask for a few favors?
- 184 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are organizing a small gathering at home.
- SofíaTengo unos globos rojos para la fiesta.I have a few red balloons for the party.
- DanielGenial, yo traeré unos refrescos.Great, I will bring a few sodas.
- Sofía¿Necesitamos comprar unos platos más?Do we need to buy a few more plates?
- DanielSí, Daniel comprará unos ahora.Yes, Daniel will buy a few now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a few” translations and entries unos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries unos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
