λίγο
lígo/ˈli.ɣo/
The English phrase 'little bit' is translated into Greek as λίγο (lígo).
The term λίγο is used to mean 'a little bit' or 'a little'. It can also be used to mean 'slightly' when it is modifying an adjective.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Which one should you use?
Other forms exist for specific nuances: λίγο-λίγο is used to suggest something is happening gradually or is slowly increasing and λίγο-πολύ is used to express a little bit of approximation or uncertainty.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, λίγο means 'a little' or 'a little bit'.
How do you pronounce it?
λίγο is pronounced as [ˈli.ɣo]. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word λίγο shares a root with the English word 'oligarchy', derived from λίγος meaning 'few' or 'small'.
- The word λίγο can be used to soften a direct command, making a bossy instruction sound more like a polite suggestion.
- Depending on the context, λίγο can be used as an imperative to tell someone to 'wait a little bit' without needing to use the verb for 'wait'.
Examples in context
- Δεν νομίζεις ότι υπερβάλλεις λίγο;Don't you think you're overreacting just a little bit?This sentence is useful for using the form λίγο to mean 'a little bit'.Tatoeba #6685105 by NonMiDestar, translation #3121961 by CK
- Είμαι λίγο μπερδεμένος.I'm a little bit confused.Tatoeba #7782679 by eypros, translation #7782645 by CK
- Παρακαλώ, μπορείτε να μου δώσετε λίγο νερό;Please, can you give me a little bit of water?
- Παρακαλώ, περίμενε λίγη ώρα.Please, wait a little bit.
- Πίνω λίγο-λίγο τον καφέ μου.I drink my coffee little by little.
- Περίμενε λίγο, παρακαλώ.Perimene ligo, parakalo.Wait a little bit, please.
Example conversation
Anastasia and Kostas are waiting for a bus at a stop.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠού είναι το λεωφορείο;Pou einai to leoforeio;Where is the bus?
- Κώστας KostasΈρχεται σε λίγο, μην ανησυχείς.Erchetai se ligo, min anisicheis.It is coming in a little bit, don't worry.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕλπίζω να μην καθυστερήσουμε πολύ.Elpizo na min kathysteroume poli.I hope we won't be too late.
- Κώστας KostasΘα προλάβουμε την ώρα μας.Tha prolavoume tin ora mas.We will make it on time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry λίγο, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
