un poco triste
/un poko tɾiste/from spelling rules
The English phrase "a little blue" is translated into Spanish as un poco triste.
This phrase is used to describe feeling slightly sad.
Which one should you use?
While un poco azul literally means 'a little blue' in terms of color, it is not used idiomatically to mean feeling sad in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Hispanic regions, the slang phrase Medio Bajoneado(a) is used to express feeling a little down or blue.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use un poco azul to describe sadness, as this refers only to the color blue.
Did you know?
- Although triste is the standard word for sad, Spanish speakers may use estoy triste to describe a temporary state and soy triste to describe a melancholic personality.
- While triste means 'sad', the related word tristeza is often used in Spanish poetry and song to describe a deep, existential longing rather than just a temporary mood.
- The word poco is a direct relative of the English word 'few', both descending from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Me siento un poco triste hoy.I'm feeling a little blue today.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are feeling un poco triste today.Tatoeba #1195375 by nancy, translation #242895 by CK
- El vestido es un poco azul.The dress is a little blue.
- Estoy algo triste hoy.I'm feeling a little blue/down today.
- Me levanté medio bajoneado(a) hoy.I woke up feeling a little blue/down today.
- Ella está un poco triste por la noticia.She is a little blue because of the news.
- ¿Por qué estás un poco triste, Daniel?Why are you feeling a little blue, Daniel?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking at a cafe.
- ElenaDaniel, te ves un poco triste hoy.Daniel, you look a little blue today.
- DanielSí, estoy un poco triste por el trabajo.Yes, I am a little blue about work.
- ElenaLo siento mucho, espero que mejores.I am very sorry, I hope you feel better.
- DanielGracias, Elena, lo aprecio.Thanks, Elena, I appreciate it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poco, triste, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
