un poquito
everyday
A friendly way to say "a little bit" is un poquito. In Mexico people say tantito, and in the Dominican Republic you hear un chin.
Meaning: a small amount (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| un poquito | everyday |
| tantito | casual, Mexico |
| un chin | casual, Dominican Republic |
The ending -ito makes poco sound softer. Un poquito works for amounts, time and degree, for example when asking for a little more salt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tantito is very Mexican, and un chin is typical of the Dominican Republic.
Did you know?
- Mexican ahorita and tantito both soften requests by making them sound small.
Examples in context
- Dame un poquito más.Give me a little bit more.
- Espérame tantito.Wait for me a little bit.
- Solo un chin de azúcar.Just a little bit of sugar.
Example conversation
Marta serves soup to her guest Hugo in her kitchen in Puebla.
- Marta¿Quieres más sopa?Do you want more soup?
- HugoSí, un poquito.Yes, a little bit.
- MartaAquí tienes, tantito más.Here you go, a bit more.
