poquito
/po-KEE-toh/
a little bit
When 'poquito' is used as an adverb, it means 'a little bit,' describing an action done minimally or slightly.
poquito(Adverb)
a little bit
?modifying a verb or adjective
,slightly
?indicating a small degree
briefly
?referring to a short duration of time
📝 In Action
¿Puedes esperar un poquito?
A1Can you wait a little bit?
Estoy un poquito cansado después del viaje.
A2I'm slightly tired after the trip.
Ella habla español un poquito mejor ahora.
A2She speaks Spanish a little bit better now.
💡 Grammar Points
Softening the Tone
Using 'poquito' instead of 'poco' makes your request or statement sound softer, kinder, or more casual. It adds a touch of affection or humility.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Adverb and Adjective
Mistake: "Using the variable forms (poquita, poquitos) when modifying a verb: *Ella habla poquita.*"
Correction: As an adverb, it is always 'poquito' (or 'poco'): *Ella habla poquito* (She speaks a little).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Un'
In its adverbial use, 'poquito' is almost always preceded by 'un' (un poquito) when modifying verbs or adjectives, which emphasizes the smallness of the degree.
As a noun, 'poquito' means 'a small amount,' referring to a limited quantity of something.
poquito(Noun)
a small amount
?referring to a quantity of something
,a tiny bit
?emphasizing smallness or affection
a dash
?in cooking or mixing drinks
📝 In Action
Échale solo un poquito de sal.
A2Just add a tiny bit of salt to it.
Con un poquito de esfuerzo lo lograrás.
B1With a little bit of effort, you will achieve it.
No tengo mucho, solo un poquito.
A2I don't have much, just a small amount.
💡 Grammar Points
The Diminutive Suffix (-ito)
'Poquito' is the diminutive form of 'poco' (little). The '-ito' ending makes the quantity feel smaller, but often more endearing or manageable.
Variable Forms
Since this meaning functions as a noun/quantifier, it has variable forms that match the item being referred to: poquita (feminine singular), poquitos (masculine plural), poquitas (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Saying 'Dame un poquito de agua' when referring to the quantity (agua is feminine)."
Correction: While 'un poquito' is often used as a fixed phrase regardless of the noun (like 'a small bit'), the strictly correct form for feminine nouns is 'una poquita de agua'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Handling Plurals
Use 'poquitos' (masculine) or 'poquitas' (feminine) when talking about a small number of countable things: 'Tengo poquitas monedas' (I have few coins).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: poquito
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'poquito' to refer to a small, specific quantity of a feminine item?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'poco' and 'poquito'?
They both mean 'little' or 'few,' but 'poquito' is the diminutive form. 'Poquito' emphasizes that the amount is very small, and often carries a warmer or more affectionate tone. If you say 'Tengo poco dinero' (I have little money), it sounds factual or negative. If you say 'Tengo un poquito de dinero,' it sounds softer.
Can 'poquito' be used to talk about time?
Yes! When talking about time, 'poquito' means 'a short time' or 'briefly.' For example, 'Estuvimos allí un poquito' means 'We were there for a short time.'