poco
/ˈpoko/
The Spanish phrase poco means "poco (phrase)".
Which one should you use?
When used as an adverb (not modifying a noun), poco is invariable and does not change for gender or number. However, when it modifies a noun, it must change to agree with that noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
poco must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use poca for feminine nouns, pocos for masculine plural nouns and pocas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpoko/
Did you know?
- The Spanish expression a poco is used in Mexico as a colloquial way to say 'no way' or 'really?' It transforms a word meaning 'little' into a gesture of disbelief.
- Adding un to make un poco changes the meaning from 'not much' to 'a little'. While poco is often negative, un poco is generally used to describe a small but positive amount.
- While poco means 'little', the Spanish word for 'small' is pequeño. Using poco to describe the size of an object instead of its quantity is a common mistake for beginners.
Examples in context
- poco a pocoLittle by little
- Tengo poco tiempo para estudiar.I have little time to study.
- Hoy comí muy poco en el almuerzo.Today I ate very little at lunch.
- Queda poco café en la cafetera.There is little coffee left in the coffee maker.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking in the kitchen.
- Alejandro¿Quieres un poco de azúcar en tu té?Do you want a little sugar in your tea?
- LucíaNo, gracias, solo quiero un poco de leche.No, thank you, I only want a little milk.
- AlejandroEstá bien, voy a servirte la leche ahora.Okay, I am going to serve you the milk now.
- LucíaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
