demasiado poco
/demasjado poko/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "too little" is translated as demasiado poco.
The phrase is used to describe an amount or quantity that is not enough for a particular purpose. Insuficiente denotes insufficiency or inadequacy and can be used across different contexts. While demasiado poco is the standard way to express this, the phrase no alcanza is used in Latin America to express scarcity or lack.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of demasiado, meaning "too much" or "excessively" and poco, meaning "little" or "few".
Which one should you use?
Use demasiado poco for uncountable quantities, such as water or time. If you are referring to countable items, such as people or books, you should use demasiados pocos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase no alcanza is used to express scarcity or lack.
How does it change in a sentence?
When modifying a feminine singular noun, the word poco changes to poca to become demasiado poca.
Did you know?
- The word demasiado evolved from demasía, which historically referred to a physical overflow or an excess of liquid.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase no alcanza is used not just for physical objects, but to say that one's salary is 'too little' to cover the month's expenses.
- Depending on the region, saying poco can be a polite way to understate a problem. A speaker might say there is poco time when they actually mean there is demasiado poco time to avoid sounding panicked.
Examples in context
- Demasiado poco es casi tan malo como demasiado.Too little is just as bad as too much.This sentence illustrates the comparison between too little and too much using demasiado poco.Tatoeba #1503476 by marcelostockle, translation #1490703 by niceguydave
- Algunas personas hablan demasiado y hacen demasiado poco.Some people talk too much and do too little.This sentence contrasts talking too much with doing demasiado poco.Tatoeba #3104128 by marcelostockle, translation #1576703 by erikspen
- Bebo demasiado poco agua.I drink far too little water.This sentence shows how to use demasiado poco when describing the amount of water one drinks.Tatoeba #13312894 by frpzzd, translation #13179357 by araneo
- El presupuesto asignado es escaso para cubrir todos los gastos.The allocated budget is too little to cover all expenses.
- Sus conocimientos son insuficientes para este puesto de trabajo.His knowledge is too little for this job position.
- La comida que me sirvieron no alcanza para saciar el apetito.The food they served me doesn't satisfy my appetite, it's too little.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are cooking dinner together.
- AlejandroCreo que pusiste demasiado poco salt a la sopa.I think you put too little salt in the soup.
- MaríaTienes razón, no tiene ningún sabor.You're right, it has no flavor.
- AlejandroAñade un poco más ahora mismo.Add a bit more right now.
- MaríaLo haré, gracias por avisarme, Alejandro.I'll do it, thanks for letting me know, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
