I'm learning español

poco — meaning in English: little bit

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for little bit
buscando
poco
das
la
abre
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Spanish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native Spanish speakers commonly use 'poco' in everyday conversations to describe a small quantity of something. For example, you might hear it in a restaurant when ordering food, such as 'Una cerveza, pero poco,' meaning 'A beer, but a little bit.' It's also frequently used in casual discussions about time or effort, like saying 'Tengo poco tiempo,' or 'I have little time.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Poco' is similar to 'pequeño,' but while 'pequeño' refers specifically to size, 'poco' emphasizes quantity or amount. Use 'poco' when discussing something in terms of how much there is, such as 'poco dinero' (little money), rather than physical dimensions.
Culture
'Poco' comes from the Latin word 'paucus,' which also means 'few' or 'little.' In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of 'poco' is often associated with moderation and simplicity, underscoring the value of enjoying small pleasures in life. Whether it's a 'poco de azúcar' in your coffee or a 'poco de tiempo' spent with friends, the word captures the essence of savoring the little things.
FAQ
Q.What does poco mean in English?
'Poco' translates to 'little bit' or 'few' in English. It's used to indicate a small quantity of something.
Q.How do you use poco in a sentence?
You can use 'poco' in various contexts, such as 'Quiero poco de todo' (I want a little bit of everything) or 'Hay poco tiempo' (There is little time).
Q.Is poco used in formal writing?
'Poco' is generally considered neutral and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for alternatives like 'poca cantidad' to convey the idea of 'little' more formally.
Learn spanish with Maspeak →
Spanish 1000