kaunti lang
/kaʔunˈtiʔ ˈlaŋ/word by word
The Tagalog phrase for "a little bit" is kaunti lang.
The phrase is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of kaunti, which means "a little" or "few" and lang, which means "only".
Which one should you use?
While kaunti lang refers to a small quantity, kaunti without lang simply means "a little" or "few" without the emphasis of "only".
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʔunˈtiʔ ˈlaŋ/
Did you know?
- In many Filipino households, saying kaunti lang when offered more food can be a polite, reflexive refusal, even if the person is actually still hungry, as part of a complex social dance of hospitality.
- To express 'just a little bit' with more intensity, Filipinos may repeat the word as kaunti-kaunti lang, which suggests a very gradual or tiny amount.
- While kaunti lang describes amount, the word bahagya is used for 'a little bit' when referring to a slight change in movement or a subtle difference in feeling.
Examples in context
- Kaunti lang ang asukal dito.There is only a little bit of sugar here.
- Kaunti lang ang natirang pera ko.I only have a little bit of money left.
Example conversation
Mark is asking Christina if she wants more coffee.
- MarkChristina, gusto mo pa ng kape?Christina, do you want more coffee?
- ChristinaKaunti lang, salamat.Just a little bit, thanks.
- MarkSige, kaunti lang ang ibubuhos ko.Okay, I will only pour a little bit.
- ChristinaMaraming salamat, Mark.Thank you very much, Mark.
