solo sé un poco de español
/solo se un poko de espaɲol/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I only know a little bit of spanish" is expressed as solo sé un poco de español.
This phrase is a statement used to convey that your knowledge of the Spanish language is very basic or limited.
What does it mean word for word?
In this phrase, solo means 'only', sé is the first-person singular form of the verb saber (to know a fact or skill), un poco means 'a little' and de español means 'of Spanish'.
Which one should you use?
While solo sé un poco de español focuses on what you know, you can also say solo hablo un poco de español to mean 'I only speak a little bit of Spanish'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb saber is used in this context because it refers to knowing a language or a specific piece of information. This is different from conocer, which is used when talking about being acquainted with people or places.
Did you know?
- The root of español may come from a Punic word meaning 'coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, solo sé un poco de español.I am sorry, I only know a little bit of Spanish.
- No hablo mucho, solo sé un poco de español.I don't speak much, I only know a little bit of Spanish.
- Todavía soy principiante, solo sé un poco de español.I am still a beginner, I only know a little bit of Spanish.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier meet for the first time at a cafe.
- SofíaHola, ¿hablas español?Hello, do you speak Spanish?
- JavierSí, hablo fluido. ¿Y tú, Sofía?Yes, I speak fluently. And you, Sofía?
- SofíaYo solo sé un poco de español.I only know a little bit of Spanish.
- JavierNo te preocupes, Javier te ayudará.Don't worry, Javier will help you.
