poquito
/poˈkito/
poquito is the Spanish way to say "a small amount of something."
This phrase is used to describe a small quantity. It is frequently used with the preposition de to specify what is being discussed, such as un poquito de sal (a little bit of salt).
Which one should you use?
While poco also means a small amount, poquito is the diminutive form. Using poquito often implies an even smaller amount than poco, or it can add a sense of affection or softness to your statement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies. You use poquito for masculine nouns and poquita for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈkito/
Did you know?
- While poco describes an insufficient amount, poquito can sometimes be used ironically to describe something that is actually quite large.
- The word poquito shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'few', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *peh₂w-.
- In some Latin American countries, saying un poquito while gesturing with the fingertips can be a non-verbal way to negotiate a price or a quantity during shopping.
Examples in context
- Solo quiero un poquito de azúcar.I only want a little bit of sugar.
- Dame un poquito de tu tiempo.Give me a little bit of your time.
- Queda un poquito de café en la taza.There is a little bit of coffee left in the cup.
Example conversation
Alejandro is offering Sofía some cake.
- Alejandro¿Quieres un pedazo de pastel, Sofía?Do you want a piece of cake, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, pero dame un poquito.Yes, but give me a little bit.
- AlejandroEstá bien, te sirvo un poquito.All right, I'll serve you a little bit.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro.Thank you, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry poquito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poquito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
