λίγο
lígo/ˈli.ɣo/
In Greek, 'a little bit' is said as λίγο (lígo).
The phrase is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something. It can also function as an adverb to modify the intensity of a verb or an adjective.
Which one should you use?
While λίγο means 'a little bit', it is the direct antonym of πολύ, which means 'a lot' or 'much'. If you repeat the word as λίγο-λίγο, the meaning changes from 'a little bit' to 'little by little' or 'gradually'. Additionally, the form λιγάκι-λιγάκι is used to convey the notion of taking things gradually or step by step.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb to modify an adjective or a verb, use the form λίγο.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈli.ɣo/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- To express that something is 'just a tad' or 'a tiny bit' in a very colloquial way, Greeks may use the phrase ένα τσιμάκι, which refers to a tiny pinch.
- The word λίγο can be used as a polite way to soften a command or a request, making the speaker sound less demanding and more subtle.
- The concept of 'a little bit' is often expressed through the word κομματάκι, which literally means 'a little piece' or 'a tiny morsel', often used instead of λίγο when talking about food.
Examples in context
- Δεν νομίζεις ότι υπερβάλλεις λίγο;Don't you think you're overreacting just a little bit?This sentence is useful for questioning if someone is overreacting slightly using λίγο.Tatoeba #6685105 by NonMiDestar, translation #3121961 by CK
- Είμαι λίγο μπερδεμένος.I'm a little bit confused.This sentence is useful for expressing a slight state of confusion using λίγο.Tatoeba #7782679 by eypros, translation #7782645 by CK
- Λίγο.A little bit.
- Θέλεις λίγο αλάτι;Theleis ligo alati;Do you want a little bit of salt?
Example conversation
Giorgos and Eleni are talking about their dinner.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘέλεις ακόμα λίγο φαγητό, Ελένη;Theleis akoma ligo fagito, Eleni?Do you want a little bit more food, Eleni?
- Ελένη EleniΌχι, ευχαριστώ, είμαι χορτάτη.Ochi, efcharisto, eimai chortati.No, thank you, I am full.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜου έμεινε λίγο, οπότε θα το φάω εγώ.Mou emine ligo, opote tha to fao ego.A little bit is left for me, so I will eat it.
- Ελένη EleniΚαλή όρεξη, Γιώργο!Kali orexi, Giorgo!Enjoy your meal, Giorgos!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry λίγο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
