un poco de español
/un poko de espaɲol/from spelling rules
un poco de español is the Spanish way to say "a little Spanish".
This phrase refers to a small amount of the Spanish language that a person knows how to speak or understand. It often functions as an adverbial phrase to modify a verb, such as in the sentence Hablo un poco de español (I speak a little Spanish).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (a), poco (little), de (of) and español (Spanish), which literally translates to "a little of Spanish".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, español is used as an uncountable noun, so it does not take a plural form when referring to the language.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say un poco español. Omitting the word de is grammatically incorrect in this context.
When do people say it?
People commonly use un poco de español as a humble way to respond to the question ¿Hablas español? (Do you speak Spanish?).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Hablo un poco de español.I know a little Spanish.This sentence demonstrates how to use un poco de español to modify the verb Hablo.Tatoeba #541290 by Shishir, translation #51801 by CN
- Entiendo un poco de español.I understand a little Spanish.
- ¿Sabes un poco de español?Do you know a little Spanish?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A tourist is asking a local resident for help in a shop.
- MaríaDisculpe, ¿habla usted un poco de español?Excuse me, do you speak a little Spanish?
- AlejandroSí, hablo un poco de español.Yes, I speak a little Spanish.
- MaríaGracias, necesito ayuda con esto.Thank you, I need help with this.
- AlejandroNo hay problema, dígame.No problem, tell me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, español, poco, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
