solo un poco
/solo un poko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "only a little" is translated into Spanish as solo un poco.
solo un poco is used to indicate a small amount or a low degree of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo (only), un (a) and poco (little).
Which one should you use?
While solo un poco refers specifically to a small amount or degree, the phrase un poco without the word solo simply means "a little".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the expression solo un tantito is commonly used to mean "only a little bit".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the phrase by adding words at the end: solo un poco más means "only a little more", while solo un poco menos means "only a little less".
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, people might use un pelín instead of solo un poco, which literally refers to a 'little hair'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying solo un poco when asked if you speak the language is often seen as a modest gesture, even if you are quite fluent.
- The word solo can be written with or without an accent mark, but the Royal Spanish Academy generally recommends omitting it even when it means 'only'.
Examples in context
- Solo un poco. Dinos la naturaleza de tu problema.Only a little. Tell us the nature of your problem.This example shows how to use solo un poco when describing a problem.Tatoeba #1502209 by marcelostockle, translation #1160284 by cntrational
- Hablo francés, pero solo un poco.I can speak French, but only a little bit.This example uses solo un poco to describe a level of language proficiency.Tatoeba #10301951 by DJ_Saidez, translation #5374403 by CK
- Me gustaría solo un poco de azúcarI would like only a little sugar
- Necesito solamente una pequeña cantidad de dineroI need only a small amount of money
- Quiero nada más un poquito de heladoI want just a little bit of ice cream
- Dame solo un tantito de salsa picanteGive me just a little bit of spicy sauce
- Ella habla solo un poquito de inglésShe speaks only a little English
- Tomé solo un sorbo del caféI had only a little sip of coffee
- Solo un poco de sal, por favor.Only a little salt, please.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are eating dinner together.
- JavierElena, ¿quieres más salsa?Elena, do you want more sauce?
- ElenaSí, pero solo un poco, por favor.Yes, but only a little, please.
- JavierEstá bien, aquí tienes.Alright, here you go.
- ElenaGracias, Javier.Thank you, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
