sé muy poco español
/se mui poko espaɲol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I know very little spanish" is expressed in Spanish as sé muy poco español.
This phrase is used to express that the speaker has a limited ability to speak or understand the Spanish language. You can also use the verb hablar (to speak) instead of saber (to know) to express the same sentiment, such as in hablo muy poco español.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sé (I know), muy (very), poco (little) and español (Spanish).
Which one should you use?
While sé muy poco español implies a basic, limited ability, the phrase no sé nada de español expresses a complete lack of knowledge (I don't know any Spanish).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb sé is the first-person singular present indicative of saber, which is the verb used for facts or skills like knowing a language.
Did you know?
- The word español likely comes from a Punic word meaning 'coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, sé muy poco español.I am sorry, I know very little Spanish.
- No te preocupes, sé muy poco español también.Don't worry, I know very little Spanish too.
- Todavía sé muy poco español.I still know very little Spanish.
Example conversation
Mateo is trying to order food in a Spanish restaurant.
- MateoHola, sé muy poco español.Hello, I know very little Spanish.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Mateo. Yo te ayudo.Don't worry, Mateo. I will help you.
- MateoGracias, María. Eres muy amable.Thank you, María. You are very kind.
- MaríaDe nada. ¿Qué quieres comer?You're welcome. What do you want to eat?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, muy, poco, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
