un pic
The Romanian phrase for "a little bit" is un pic.
un pic is used to denote a small amount of something or a short period of time. You can use the combination un pic cam to soften an observation or criticism, which functions similarly to saying something is "a bit too" or "somewhat" of an adjective.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the masculine indefinite article un (a/an) and the noun pic (bit/piece/drop).
Which one should you use?
While un pic is a common phrase, you can also use the single-word adverb puțin to mean "a little" or "a little bit" and they are often interchangeable.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "a little bit more" (often used with adjectives such as "faster" or "more expensive"), you add mai after the phrase to form un pic mai.
Did you know?
- The noun pic is likely a descendant of a Proto-Celtic word, making its origins a blend of Latin and Celtic influences rather than purely Latin.
- The Albanian word pikë also means 'a drop' or 'a bit', showing a shared regional linguistic heritage with Romanian.
- In Romanian, the word pic can also be used on its own to describe a single drop of liquid.
Examples in context
- Doar un pic.Just a little bit.The sentence is useful for expressing a minimal amount.Tatoeba #7578352 by CataG, translation #1932258 by cruella
- S-a făcut un pic cam târziu.It’s gotten a little bit late.The sentence shows how to use the phrase to describe a late state.
- Sper ca primăvara să mai stea un pic pe-aici. Urăsc verile.I hope spring sticks around just a little bit longer. I hate summers.The sentence demonstrates using the phrase to describe a duration of time.Tatoeba #1137588 by ijikure2, translation #920416 by CK
- Vreau puțin zahăr în cafea.I want a little bit of sugar in my coffee.
- Pot să gust un pic din prăjitura ta?Can I have a little bite of your cake?
- Nu știu prea multe despre subiectul ăsta, doar un pic.I don't know much about this topic, just a little bit.
Example conversation
Elena and Gabriel are tasting a soup they are cooking together.
- ElenaGabriel, mai pune un pic de sare.Gabriel, add a little bit more salt.
- GabrielCrezi că este prea sărată acum?Do you think it is too salty now?
- ElenaNu, dar îi mai trebuie un pic.No, but it needs a little bit more.
- GabrielBine, pun doar un pic.Okay, I will put just a little bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un pic, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pic, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
