un peu
/œ̃ pø/
The English phrase "a little" is translated into French as un peu.
un peu is an adverb used to indicate that something is done to a small extent or degree.
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indefinite article un (a/one) and the noun peu (little/bit).
Which one should you use?
While un peu means "a little", you must add de (un peu de) if you are using it as an adjective to quantify a noun, such as un peu de sel (a little salt).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express "a little bit" with more emphasis, you can use the phrase un petit peu.
How do you pronounce it?
/œ̃ pø/
Did you know?
- If you use peu without the article un, the meaning shifts from 'a little' to 'hardly any' or 'almost nothing'.
- French speakers often use un peu as a social softener to make a request or a critique sound less aggressive.
- The word peu comes from the Latin 'paucus', which is the same root found in the English word 'pauper', describing someone with very little.
Examples in context
- Encore un peu ?A little more?This example shows how to offer more of something using un peu.Tatoeba #400210 by sysko, translation #1369141 by sacredceltic
- J'ai un peu mal.I'm a little hurt.This sentence demonstrates using un peu to describe a level of pain.Tatoeba #5158290 by Ceriz, translation #5157807 by CK
- Je suais un peu.I was sweating a little bit.This example illustrates the use of un peu to describe the degree of sweating.Tatoeba #5647019 by nimfeo, translation #5245398 by CK
- Je parle un peu français.I speak a little French.
- J'ai un petit peu d'expérience en comptabilité.I have a little experience in accounting.
- On se voit dans un p'tit peu?Shall we meet up in a little while?
- Attends-moi encore un chouïa!Wait for me just a little bit longer!
- Je peux avoir un peu de sucre, s'il vous plaît?May I have a little bit of sugar, please?
- Pourriez-vous parler un peu plus lentement?Could you speak a little slower?
- J'ai besoin de manger un p'tit peu avant de partir.I need to eat a little before leaving.
- Un chouïa de musique en fond serait sympa, non?A little bit of background music would be nice, don't you think?
- 1162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at a cafe.
- HugoTu veux un peu de sucre ?Do you want a little sugar?
- ChloéOui, merci, juste un peu.Yes, thank you, just a little.
- HugoIl est un peu fort, le café.The coffee is a little strong.
- ChloéC'est vrai, mais c'est bon.It's true, but it's good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries un peu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peu, un, un peu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
