trochę
/ˈtrɔ.xɛ/
The English phrase "a little" can be translated into Polish as trochę. Wiktionary also lists mało.
Meaning: to a small extent or degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| trochę | /ˈtrɔ.xɛ/ /ˈtrɔ.xɛw̃/ |
| mało | /ˈma.wɔ/ /ˈma.ɫɔ/ (Middle, Polish) |
trochę is used as an adverb meaning "to a small extent or degree." It is frequently used as a softener to make statements or requests sound less direct or blunt.
Which one should you use?
While both trochę and mało can mean "a little," they are used differently. trochę is typically used as an adverb to mean "to a small degree" (for example, "a little cold"), whereas mało often emphasizes a deficiency or a small quantity (for example, "little water").
How does it change in a sentence?
trochę is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form regardless of the case or gender of the words it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word trochę has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. Its IPA pronunciation is /ˈtrɔ.xɛ/.
Did you know?
- The word mało can be used in the expression mało nie, which is used to describe a 'near miss' or something that almost happened.
- If you are ordering food and say you want 'a little' of something, using trochę is much safer than mało, which might make the waiter think you are complaining that the portion is too small.
- The word trochę is actually a frozen form of the accusative case from the old word trocha. This is why it does not change its ending regardless of the sentence structure.
Examples in context
- Jest trochę za duża.It's a little big.This sentence shows how to use trochę to describe an object being a little too big.Tatoeba #6159817 by arie, translation #6159783 by leishenki
- Jest trochę za mała.It's a little small.This sentence shows how to use trochę to describe an object being a little too small.Tatoeba #6159818 by arie, translation #6159782 by leishenki
- Tom jest trochę zły.Tom is a little angry.This sentence shows how to use trochę to describe someone being a little angry.Tatoeba #6554364 by arie, translation #6357065 by CK
- Czy mogę trochę skosztować?Can I taste a little bit?
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Piotr are discussing their progress with a new hobby.
- AgnieszkaCzy mówisz już po polsku?Do you speak Polish already?
- PiotrTak, mówię trochę.Yes, I speak a little.
- AgnieszkaTo jest bardzo dobre!That is very good!
- PiotrAle wciąż trochę się boję.But I am still a little afraid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “a little” translations and entries trochę, mało, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mało, trochę, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
