Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| parvus | [ˈpar.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpar.vus] (narrow) |
| paulus | [ˈpau̯.ɫʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpaːu̯.lus] (narrow) |
In Latin, the word used for 'little' depends on whether you are describing physical size or an amount. Use parvus when referring to something that is small in physical dimensions or stature. Use paulus when referring to small amounts, degrees or abstract quantities. For example, if you want to say 'not much', you might use related forms like paucus, non multus or paulo.
Which one should you use?
parvus is typically used to describe physical size, whereas paulus is used for small amounts, degrees or abstract quantities.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify. For the adjective describing physical size, the masculine is parvus, the feminine singular is parva and the neuter singular is parvum. For the adjective describing amounts, the masculine is paulus, the feminine singular is paula and the neuter singular is paulum.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Paulus semper benefacit iocus.A little bit of fun is always good.This sentence shows how to use paulus to describe an amount of fun.Tatoeba #6318104 by RudeGuyGames, translation #6317102 by Adelpa
- Parvus puer canem amplexus est.The little boy embraced his dog.This sentence uses parvus to describe the size of a boy.Tatoeba #1454232 by alexmarcelo, translation #324799 by CK
- Dextræ se parvus Iulus / implicuit sequiturque patrem non passibus æquis, / pone subit conjux.His little hand in mine, / Iulus totters at his father's side, / behind me comes Creusa.This sentence uses parvus to describe the size of a hand.Tatoeba #6879895 by carlosalberto, translation #6879897 by carlosalberto
- Summa pecuniae exigua est.The amount of money is small.
- Cane parvulo gaudeo.I'm happy with the little dog.
- Habeo paucos amicos.I have a few friends.
- Triclinium est modicum.The dining room is small.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Lucia are looking at a small garden.
- GaiusHortus tuus est parvus.Your garden is small.
- LuciaIta, sed pulcher est.Yes, but it is beautiful.
- GaiusVisne parvum arbustum serere?Do you want to plant a small shrub?
- LuciaHoc est optimum consilium!That is a great plan!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries parvus, paulus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parvus, paulus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
