¿quieres un poco?
The English phrase "do you want some?" can be translated into Spanish as ¿quieres un poco?
This phrase is used to offer a small portion of something to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb querer (to want) in the second person singular, and un poco (a little/a bit).
Which one should you use?
While ¿quieres un poco? implies a small portion or a taste, the phrase ¿quieres algo? is a more general offer of "something".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the polite/formal version of this offer, change the verb from quieres to quiere, resulting in ¿quiere un poco?
Did you know?
- While ¿quieres un poco? is a literal offer, a native speaker might respond with no, gracias even if they actually want some. This is a common social dance where the asker is expected to offer a second or third time before the guest accepts.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, offering un poco of food or drink is a fundamental social lubricant. It is often considered impolite to start eating or drinking something without first offering it to everyone present.
- The verb querer in this phrase means 'to want', but in different contexts it also means 'to love'. Depending on the tone and relationship, the root of this offer is the same word used to express deep affection.
Examples in context
- ¿Le gustaría algo de postre?Would you like some dessert?
- ¿Desea usted un café?Do you want a coffee?
- ¿quieres un poco de café?Do you want some coffee?
- Tengo café, ¿quieres un poco?I have coffee, do you want some?
Example conversation
Sofía is eating a snack and offers some to Alejandro.
- SofíaMira qué rico está esto, ¿quieres un poco?Look how delicious this is, do you want some?
- AlejandroSí, por favor. Se ve muy bueno.Yes, please. It looks very good.
- SofíaAquí tienes, Alejandro.Here you go, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía.Thank you, Sofía.
