pochissimo
The Italian phrase for "very little" is pochissimo.
pochissimo is used to describe an amount that is extremely small. While you can also use the straightforward phrase molto poco to express "very little", pochissimo provides more emphasis. In specific contexts, such as describing knowledge, you might also use estremamente limitato to emphasize that something is extremely limited.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pochissimo is formed by combining poco (little/few) with the superlative suffix -issimo, which means "very" or "extremely".
Which one should you use?
While poco simply means "little" or "few", pochissimo is the superlative form used to emphasize that an amount is extremely small in comparison.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Italy, the colloquial phrase poca roba is used to mean "very little" or "not much". The term pochissimo is more prevalent in Southern Italy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective, pochissimo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use pochissima for feminine singular, pochissimi for masculine plural or pochissime for feminine plural.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, a gesture of pinching the fingers together and shaking the hand can accompany the word pochissimo to visually represent a tiny amount.
- The word poco is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'pittance', as both derive from the Latin root for a small amount.
- The suffix -issimo used in pochissimo is so versatile that Italians often use it to create exaggerated adjectives that do not officially exist in dictionaries to express intense emotion.
Examples in context
- Ho pochissimo tempo libero.I have very little free time.This sentence is useful for describing having very little free time with pochissimo.Tatoeba #13921079 by Nuel, translation #13491329 by araneo
- Mi sentivo un po' in colpa perché nelle ultime settimane i miei li avevo visti pochissimo.I felt a little guilty because I'd seen very little of my parents in the last few weeks.This sentence shows how to use pochissimo when referring to seeing someone very little.Tatoeba #11696304 by Nuel, translation #11696303 by Nuel
- Ho studiato italiano per molto poco tempo.I have studied Italian for very little time.
- Le mie abilità linguistiche in italiano sono estremamente limitate.My language skills in Italian are extremely limited.
- C'è pochissimo zucchero nel caffè.There is very little sugar in the coffee.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are checking the ingredients for a cake.
- AlessandroGiulia, quanto latte è rimasto?Giulia, how much milk is left?
- GiuliaNe è rimasto pochissimo, Alessandro.There is very little left, Alessandro.
- AlessandroDobbiamo andare subito al supermercato.We must go to the supermarket immediately.
- GiuliaSì, non basta per la ricetta.Yes, it's not enough for the recipe.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
