a poco a poco
/a ˈpɔ.ko a ˈpɔ.ko/word by word
The English phrase "little by little" is translated into Italian as a poco a poco.
a poco a poco is used to describe something happening slowly and in small stages over a period of time. This phrase is also common in musical contexts to instruct a performer to increase speed or volume gradually.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the preposition a (to/at/by) and the noun poco (little/bit).
Which one should you use?
The phrase poco a poco is also frequently used without the initial a to mean the same thing as a poco a poco.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈpɔ.ko a ˈpɔ.ko/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, poco can be used to express a paradoxical 'a lot' in certain negative constructions, similar to how English speakers might say 'not a little bit'.
- In a playful or sarcastic context, an Italian might use poco a poco to describe someone who is being intentionally slow or hesitant.
- The word poco shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'few', coming from the Proto-Indo-European root *peh₂w-.
Examples in context
- A poco a poco in lui si spense la forza vitale.Little by little, the life force died out in him.This sentence is useful for seeing how a poco a poco describes a gradual process.Tatoeba #11822128 by Nuel, translation #11822127 by Nuel
- Stiamo facendo progressi poco a poco nella risoluzione del problema.We are making progress little by little in solving the problem.
- Hai bisogno di studiare un po' di italiano ogni giorno. Poco a poco imparerai.You need to study a bit of Italian every day. Little by little, you will learn.
- L'economia si sta riprendendo gradualmente dopo la crisi finanziaria.The economy is gradually recovering after the financial crisis.
- Il progetto verrà implementato gradualmente nelle prossime settimane.The project will be implemented gradually in the coming weeks.
- Sto imparando l'italiano un po' alla volta.I am learning Italian little by little.
- Prepariamo il nostro viaggio un po' alla volta per assicurarci di non dimenticare nulla.We are preparing our trip little by little to make sure we don't forget anything.
- Impara piano piano, senza fretta, e raggiungerai il tuo obiettivo.Learn slowly but steadily, without haste, and you will achieve your goal.
- Prenditi cura di te stesso piano piano, un passo alla volta.Take care of yourself little by little, step by step.
- Riempi il tuo curriculum man mano che acquisisci nuove competenze.Fill your resume as you acquire new skills little by little.
- Segui le istruzioni e vedrai che tutto andrà bene, risolverai il problema man mano.Follow the instructions, and you will see that everything will be fine, you will solve the problem little by little.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are discussing a painting project.
- GiuliaIl quadro è quasi finito, Lorenzo.The painting is almost finished, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoSì, l'hai completato a poco a poco.Yes, you completed it little by little.
- GiuliaVolevo fare tutto con calma.I wanted to do everything calmly.
- LorenzoIl risultato è davvero bellissimo.The result is truly beautiful.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (a, poco) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a poco a poco, poco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
