pocos
/POH-kohs/
few
This image shows a small quantity of objects, illustrating the adjective form of pocos (few) used before a masculine plural noun.
pocos(Adjective)
few
?before a masculine plural noun
,not many
?when describing a quantity
a small number of
?formal alternative
📝 In Action
Quedan pocos minutos para el final del partido.
A1There are few minutes left until the end of the game.
Tenemos pocos libros en la biblioteca de casa.
A1We have few books in our home library.
Hubo pocos comentarios positivos sobre la película.
B1There were few positive comments about the movie.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
'Pocos' must always agree with the noun it describes. Since it ends in '-os,' it describes masculine, plural things (e.g., pocos carros, pocos niños).
Placement
Like most quantity words, 'pocos' goes before the noun it modifies (e.g., pocos amigos).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "Poca coches (using feminine 'poca' with masculine 'coches')."
Correction: Pocos coches. Remember to match both the gender and the number.
⭐ Usage Tips
Implies Deficiency
Using 'pocos' often suggests that the number is insufficient or disappointingly small, rather than just a simple count.
When used as a pronoun, pocos refers to a small number of people or things standing alone, as shown by these few figures in the landscape.
pocos(Pronoun)
few
?standing alone, referring to people or things
,a handful
?when emphasizing the small size of the group
not many people
?when the group is understood to be people
📝 In Action
De todos los candidatos, solo pocos pasaron la prueba.
A2Of all the candidates, only few passed the test.
Llegaron muy pocos a la reunión.
B1Very few arrived at the meeting.
Yo he visto muchos, pero pocos son tan buenos.
B2I have seen many, but few are so good.
💡 Grammar Points
The Stand-Alone Word
When 'pocos' acts as a pronoun, it replaces the entire noun phrase, meaning it stands by itself and doesn't need to be followed by a noun.
Implied Meaning
The gender of 'pocos' tells you what kind of group it is replacing. Since it's masculine, it refers to a group of men, masculine items, or a mixed gender group.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Misinterpreting the Group
Mistake: "Using 'pocas' when referring to a mixed group of people."
Correction: Pocos is the default form for a group of mixed gender or an unnamed masculine group (like 'people' in general). Use 'pocas' only for an exclusively feminine group.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pocos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pocos' as a pronoun (standing alone)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'pocos' different from 'algunos'?
'Pocos' means 'few' and usually implies that the number is smaller than expected or needed. 'Algunos' means 'some' and is a neutral way to describe an unspecified, non-zero amount.
Can I use 'un pocos' to mean 'a few'?
No. When referring to plural countable things, you just use 'pocos' (few). The phrase 'un poco' means 'a little bit' and is only used with singular, uncountable things (like water or time).