unas pocas palabras
/unas pokas palabɾas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "a few words" is translated as unas pocas palabras.
The phrase unas pocas palabras refers to a small number of words. It is commonly used when someone wants to give a short speech or make a brief statement, such as at a wedding or a ceremony.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of unas (some/a few), pocas (few) and palabras (words).
Which one should you use?
While unas pocas palabras emphasizes a small, limited number, algunas palabras is a more neutral way to say "some words".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because palabras is a feminine plural noun, both the article unas and the adjective pocas must be in the feminine plural form.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word palabra can mean a promise or a pledge of honor. To say 'I give you my word' is to say te doy mi palabra.
- In certain contexts, if you say you have unas pocas palabras to someone, you might be signaling that you are about to deliver a reprimand or a serious lecture rather than a friendly chat.
- While palabras means 'words', the phrase palabras mayores describes a situation where someone has spoken too harshly or gone too far in an argument.
Examples in context
- Hablo unas pocas palabras de gatuno.I speak a few words of Cat.This sentence shows how to use unas pocas palabras to describe speaking a specific language.Tatoeba #10458827 by Seael, translation #9115751 by shekitten
- Le pidió a Lincoln que dijera unas pocas palabras.He asked Lincoln to say a few words.This sentence shows a request for someone to say unas pocas palabras.Tatoeba #2115461 by marcelostockle, translation #803099 by Source_VOA
- Quisiera decir unas pocas palabras en modo de disculpa.I'd like to say a few words by way of apology.This sentence shows how to use unas pocas palabras when making an apology.Tatoeba #1226314 by marcelostockle, translation #63841 by CK
- Hola, ¿cómo estás?Hello, how are you?
- Buenos días, ¿podría ayudarme?Good morning, could you help me?
- Buenas tardes, ¿me puede decir dónde está el restaurante?Good afternoon, could you tell me where the restaurant is?
- Por favor, ¿puedes pasar la sal?Please, can you pass the salt?
- Gracias por tu ayuda.Thank you for your help.
- Mucho gusto, soy Ana. ¿Cómo te llamas?Nice to meet you, I'm Ana. What's your name?
- Hola amigo, ¿qué tal?Hey friend, how's it going?
- Buen día, ¿vamos al cine más tarde?Good day, shall we go to the movies later?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a birthday party.
- JavierMaría, ¿quieres decir unas pocas palabras?María, do you want to say a few words?
- MaríaNo estoy preparada, Javier.I am not prepared, Javier.
- JavierSolo unas pocas palabras para el cumpleañero.Just a few words for the birthday boy.
- MaríaEstá bien, lo haré.Alright, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
