kaunti
/kaʔunˈtiʔ/
The Tagalog word for little is kaunti.
kaunti is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kaunti refers to a small amount or quantity, maliit is the correct word to use when describing something that is small in physical size or dimensions.
How does it change in a sentence?
When kaunti is used as an adjective modifying a noun, it often takes the linker -ng to become kaunting. When used as an adverb meaning 'a little bit' or 'slightly', the word kaunti is often preceded by the particle nang.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaʔunˈtiʔ/
Did you know?
- When someone asks if you speak Tagalog, answering kaunti is a common modest response, even if the speaker is actually quite proficient in the language.
- In the Philippines, kaunti is used differently from maliit when talking about age. To say a child is 'little' in years, one would use bata rather than either word for size or quantity.
- The root word unti in kaunti is thought to be related to the concept of 'shortness' or 'fragmentation' in Austronesian linguistic roots.
Examples in context
- Gusto mo ng kaunting keyk?Do you want a little cake?This sentence shows how to use kaunti when offering a small amount of food.Tatoeba #1885776 by nonong, translation #434632 by lukaszpp
- Mas mahirap ito nang kaunti.This one's a little harder.This sentence demonstrates using kaunti as an adverb meaning 'a little'.Tatoeba #11536157 by qwertzu, translation #3168134 by CK
- Magpahinga tayo nang kaunti.Let's relax a little.This sentence shows how to use kaunti as an adverb to mean 'a little'.Tatoeba #11659756 by qwertzu, translation #1636734 by CM
- Ang aking kapatid ay isang munting bata.My sibling is a little child.
- Ang munting halamanan ay napakaganda.The little garden is very beautiful.
- Mayroon lamang akong kaunting pera.I only have a little money.
- Kain na tayo ng konting meryenda.Let's eat a little snack.
- Medyo mahal ang presyo ng mga gulay ngayon.The price of vegetables is a bit expensive today.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jasmine and Jose are preparing food in the kitchen.
- JasmineJose, lagyan mo ng kaunting asukal ang kape.Jose, put a little sugar in the coffee.
- JoseSige, kaunti lang ba ang gusto mo?Okay, do you only want a little?
- JasmineOo, dahil hindi ko gusto ang masyadong matamis.Yes, because I don't like it too sweet.
- JoseSige, heto na ang iyong kape.Alright, here is your coffee.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kaunti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kaunti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
