λίγο
lígo/ˈli.ɣo/
In Greek, 'a little' is translated as λίγο (lígo).
The term is used to describe something occurring to a small extent or degree. It can also function as a neuter singular adjective.
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
Which one should you use?
The adverbial use of λίγο, meaning 'to a small extent', is identical in form to the neuter singular adjective. For expressing a degree or extent, one may also use the phrase σε μικρό βαθμό to emphasize that something happens to a small degree.
How does it change in a sentence?
When acting as an adjective to modify a feminine singular noun, the form changes to λίγη. To modify a neuter plural noun, the form changes to λίγα.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈli.ɣo/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- When talking about people, calling someone λίγος can imply they are 'insignificant' or 'small-time' rather than just describing a small amount.
- Using the phrase λίγο πολύ allows Greeks to say 'more or less' or 'approximately', which is a common way to hedge a statement.
- In an ironic or sarcastic context, a Greek speaker might say λίγο to describe something that is actually excessive or 'a bit much'.
Examples in context
- Δωσ' μου λίγο χρόνο.Give me a little time.This example shows how to use λίγο to refer to an amount of time.Tatoeba #5549826 by Zeus, translation #3151540 by CK
- Αυτό θα πονέσει λίγο.This is going to hurt a little.This example shows how to use λίγο to describe a level of pain.Tatoeba #6685078 by NonMiDestar, translation #6685024 by Hybrid
- Ο Τομ είναι λίγο χλωμός.Tom is a little pale.This example shows how to use λίγο to describe a physical quality.Tatoeba #5422420 by Zeus, translation #5422330 by CK
- Θέλω λίγο νερό, παρακαλώ.I want a little water, please.
- Αυτό το φάρμακο απαιτεί μικρή ποσότητα.This medication requires a small quantity.
- Θα το μάθεις, λίγο-λίγο!You'll learn it, little by little!
- Πείραξες λίγο πολύ το περιεχόμενο του προγράμματος.You changed the content of the program somewhat.
- Δώσε μου λιγάκι από τη σοκολάτα σου!Give me a little bit of your chocolate!
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are talking about a meal they just ate.
- Μαρία MariaΣου άρεσε το φαγητό, Κώστα;Sou arese to fagito, Kosta?Did you like the food, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, αλλά ήταν λίγο αλμυρό.Ne, alla itan ligo alsmyro.Yes, but it was a little salty.
- Μαρία MariaΈχεις δίκιο, το ένιωσα κι εγώ.Echeis dikio, to enioso ki ego.You are right, I felt it too.
- Κώστας KostasΠεριμένω λίγο να πάει το αλάτι.Perimeno ligo na pai to alati.I'll wait a little for the salt to go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries λίγο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
