un peu
/œ̃ pø/
The French phrase for "a little bit" is un peu.
un peu is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something. It is often used as a litotes to soften a statement or a criticism, much like how an English speaker might say something is "a bit" expensive to sound less blunt. You can emphasize a very small quantity by adding juste before it to say juste un peu.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase un peu literally translates to "a little", where un means "a" or "one" and peu means "little" or "few".
Which one should you use?
While un peu means "a little bit", you can use un petit peu if you want to be more emphatic and describe a very small amount or a tiny bit.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use un peu to modify a noun to mean "a little bit of", you must add de (or d’ before a vowel) to the phrase. However, when using it as an adverb, it stands alone.
How do you pronounce it?
/œ̃ pø/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using un peu de when you are using the phrase as an adverb. For example, if you want to say "I am a little tired", you should use un peu rather than adding de.
Did you know?
- The word peu is a cognate of the English word 'few', as both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *peh₂w- meaning 'few' or 'little'.
- When someone asks if you speak French, replying un peu is a culturally accepted way to manage expectations. It signals that you can navigate basic needs but may struggle with complex conversations.
- In very casual speech, French speakers often drop the 'e' sound in petit to say un p'tit peu. This creates a clipped, rhythmic sound typical of daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Je suais un peu.I was sweating a little bit.This sentence shows the use of un peu to describe an amount of sweating.Tatoeba #5647019 by nimfeo, translation #5245398 by CK
- C'est un peu bizarre.This is a little bit strange.This sentence shows how un peu can be used to qualify an adjective like strange.Tatoeba #6012492 by christian63, translation #5669126 by Hybrid
- Je m'inquiète un peu.I'm a little bit concerned.This sentence shows un peu used to express a degree of concern.Tatoeba #13169617 by zogwarg, translation #7837605 by CK
- vous pouvez parler un petit peu plus lentement?Can you speak a little bit more slowly?
- je suis fatigué, un peu.I'm tired, a little bit.
- elle est juste un peu timide.She's just a little bit shy.
- Je parle français un petit peu.I speak French a little bit.
- J'ai étudié le droit un petit peu à l'université.I studied law a little bit at university.
- J'aime bien regarder les films d'horreur, un peu.I quite like watching horror movies, a little bit.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about their coffee.
- LéaTu veux du sucre dans ton café ?Do you want sugar in your coffee?
- LucasOui, juste un peu, s'il te plaît.Yes, just a little bit, please.
- LéaD'accord, je t'en mets un peu.Okay, I'll put a little bit in for you.
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Léa.Thank you very much, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un peu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peu, un, un peu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
