un po'
/um ˈpɔ/
The Italian phrase for "a little bit" is un po'.
un po' is used to express a small amount or degree of something. It can function as an adjective to quantify a noun or as an adverb to mean "slightly" when modifying a verb or an adjective.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of un poco, where un means "a" and po' is the truncated form of poco, meaning "bit" or "little".
Which one should you use?
While un po' can be used to quantify a noun, it also functions as an adverb to mean "slightly" when it modifies an adjective or a verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The apostrophe in un po' is mandatory because it represents the elision of the final syllable of poco. When using un po' as an adjective to quantify a noun, it is typically followed by the preposition di (e.g., un po di… ).
How do you pronounce it?
/um ˈpɔ/
Did you know?
- Italians often pair un po' with a specific hand gesture, such as pinching the thumb and index finger together, to visually emphasize the 'smallness' of the amount.
- Responding with un po' when asked if you speak the language is a culturally expected way to show modesty regardless of your actual fluency.
- To make the amount sound even smaller or more endearing, Italians use the diminutive form un pochino.
Examples in context
- Sono un po' confusa.I'm a little bit confused.This sentence shows how un po' can modify an adjective.Tatoeba #1549790 by Guybrush88, translation #7782645 by CK
- Parlami un po' di te.Tell me a little bit about yourself.This sentence shows how un po' can be used to quantify a noun with the preposition di.Tatoeba #960752 by Guybrush88, translation #1723445 by belgavox
- Stavo sudando un po'.I was sweating a little bit.This sentence shows how un po' can modify a verb.Tatoeba #5245873 by Guybrush88, translation #5245398 by CK
- Posso avere un po' di zucchero?Can I have a little bit of sugar?
- Mi piacerebbe aspettare un pochino prima di iniziareI would like to wait a little bit before starting
- Questo libro è un tantino noiosoThis book is a little bit boring
- Questo gelato è un filo troppo dolceThis ice cream is a little bit too sweet
- Ho bisogno di un po' di aiuto nella cucina italianaI need a little bit of help in Italian cooking
- Posso provare un tantino del tuo gelato?Can I try a little bit of your ice cream?
- Vorrei aspettare un poco prima di decidereI would like to wait a little bit before deciding
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are preparing a snack in the kitchen.
- MatteoChiara, ti serve un po' di latte?Chiara, do you need a little bit of milk?
- ChiaraSì, grazie Matteo. Ne vorrei un po'.Yes, thanks Matteo. I would like a little bit.
- MatteoEcco un po' di latte per te.Here is a little bit of milk for you.
- ChiaraGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un po', CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
