um pouco
/ũ ˈpo(w).ku/
The English phrase "a little bit" is translated into Portuguese as um pouco.
Um pouco is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of um (a/one) and pouco (little/few).
Which one should you use?
While um pouco is a positive expression meaning "a little bit", the word pouco alone often carries a negative connotation meaning "not much" or "hardly any". Additionally, um pouquinho can be used to express an even smaller amount than um pouco or to sound more endearing and polite.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, Um tantinho and Um pouquinho are informal expressions used to mean "a little bit".
How do you pronounce it?
/ũ ˈpo(w).ku/. The phrase has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, um pouco can be used as a hedge to avoid sounding too direct or blunt when giving a negative opinion.
- The Portuguese word pouco is a cognate of the English word 'paucity', which also refers to a small amount of something.
- The word um descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos, which is the same ancient ancestor for the English word 'one'.
Examples in context
- Tom mudou um pouco.Tom has changed a little bit.This sentence shows how to use um pouco to describe a change in someone.Tatoeba #12824122 by GustaBR, translation #10779880 by CK
- Me dê um pouco disso.Give me a little bit of that.This sentence demonstrates asking for a small quantity of something using um pouco.Tatoeba #7560411 by Ricardo14, translation #3153785 by CK
- Estou um pouco cansada.I'm a little bit tired.This sentence illustrates using um pouco to describe a physical or mental state.Tatoeba #1082691 by alexmarcelo, translation #1464860 by Pandista
- Podemos esperar mais um pouco?Can we wait a little bit longer?
- Vamos caminhar mais um bocado?Shall we walk a little bit further?
- Só preciso de mais um tiquinho de açúcar.I just need a little bit more sugar.
- O filme já está um tiquinho longo.The movie is already a little bit long.
- Posso experimentar um pocadinho do seu bolo?Can I try a little bit of your cake?
- Vamos caminhar um pocadinho mais antes de voltar.Let's walk a little bit more before going back.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are making coffee in the kitchen.
- JulianaVocê quer um pouco de leite, Rodrigo?Do you want a little bit of milk, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoSim, por favor, Juliana.Yes, please, Juliana.
- JulianaAqui está o seu café.Here is your coffee.
- RodrigoObrigado, parece ótimo.Thanks, it looks great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry um pouco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pouco, um, um pouco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
