un poco difícil
/un poko difiθil/from spelling rules
The English phrase "a little bit difficult" is translated into Spanish as un poco difícil.
The phrase is used to describe something that is slightly hard to do or understand.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un poco (a little) and difícil (difficult).
Which one should you use?
algo difícil is a slightly more formal alternative to un poco difícil when expressing that something is somewhat difficult.
Did you know?
- In some dialects, speakers might say está difícil without the un poco to imply that a situation is hopeless or a deal is unlikely to happen.
- The word difícil shares an ancient root with the English word 'do', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁- which means 'to put' or 'to place'.
- When describing a task, saying something is un poco difícil is a common way for Spanish speakers to practice 'mitigación', or the social art of softening a blow to remain polite.
Examples in context
- La pronunciación del danés es un poco difícil.Danish pronunciation is a little bit difficult.This sentence is useful for showing how to use un poco difícil when discussing the difficulty of a language's pronunciation.Tatoeba #2908589 by marcelostockle, translation #2900638 by Piteris
- El ejercicio es un poco difícil, pero lo intentaréThe exercise is a little bit difficult, but I will try
- Este examen es un poco difícil.This exam is a little bit difficult.
- El nuevo juego es un poco difícil.The new game is a little bit difficult.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are studying a new language together.
- MateoElena, ¿entiendes esta regla gramatical?Elena, do you understand this grammar rule?
- ElenaSí, pero es un poco difícil.Yes, but it is a little bit difficult.
- MateoYo también pienso lo mismo.I think the same thing.
- ElenaPractiquemos más juntos, Mateo.Let's practice more together, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries difícil, poco, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
