Using 'pequeño' instead of 'poco'
Mistake: “Un pequeño más”
Correction: Un poco más
How to say
a little bit more
in Spanishun poco más
oon POH-koh MAHS
This is the standard, go-to way to ask for a bit more of anything, whether it's food, time, or information.
A simple gesture and the phrase 'un poquito más' go a long way in social settings.
🎬Watch & Learn
a little bit more — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
un poquito más
★★★★★
oon poh-KEE-toh MAHS
informal🌍 🌎
By adding the '-ito' ending, you make the phrase sound friendlier and emphasize that you only want a tiny amount.
When to use: Use this when you want to sound polite and modest, especially when someone is offering you more food or a drink.
un pelín más
★★★★☆
oon peh-LEEN MAHS
casual🇪🇸
A very common colloquial expression in Spain that literally translates to 'a hair more.'
When to use: Perfect for casual settings in Spain, like at a bar with friends or when adjusting something small.
otro poquito
★★★★☆
OH-troh poh-KEE-toh
informal🇲🇽 🌍
Translates to 'another little bit.' It implies you've already had some and would like a small refill.
When to use: Commonly used when a host offers you a second helping of food.
un tanto más
★★☆☆☆
oon TAHN-toh MAHS
formal🌍
A more sophisticated way to say 'somewhat more' or 'a bit more.'
When to use: Best for professional writing, formal speeches, or when you want to sound particularly articulate.
una pizca más
★★★☆☆
OO-nah PEES-kah MAHS
neutral🌍
Literally means 'a pinch more.'
When to use: Mainly used when cooking or talking about adding small amounts of ingredients or abstract qualities like 'a pinch more effort.'
un toque más
★★★☆☆
oon TOH-keh MAHS
casual🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🇨🇱
Literally 'a touch more.'
When to use: Common in the Southern Cone to describe needing just a tiny bit more of something or a little more time.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here is how the most common versions of 'a little bit more' differ in tone and region.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Un poco más | Neutral | General use, clear and direct. | Rarely avoided; it's always safe. |
| Un poquito más | Informal/Polite | Sounding friendly or humble. | Highly formal legal or academic writing. |
| Un pelín más | Casual | Talking to friends in Spain. | Formal business meetings in Latin America. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in a few hours
Pronunciation1/5
The sounds are very similar to English, just remember the 'o' in 'poco' is short and clean.
Grammar2/5
Generally simple, but you must remember to add 'de' before a noun.
Cultural Nuance2/5
Understanding the politeness of diminutives (poquito) is the only real hurdle.
Key Challenges:
- Using 'de' correctly
- Choosing between poco and poquito for the right social vibe
💡Examples in Action
Asking for clarification when a native speaker is talking too fast.A1
¿Puedes hablar un poco más despacio, por favor?
Can you speak a little bit slower, please?
Accepting a small second serving at a dinner party.A1
Solo quiero un poquito más de tarta.
I only want a little bit more cake.
Casual workplace or school setting in Spain.B1
Necesito un pelín más de tiempo para terminar.
I need a tiny bit more time to finish.
A server or host offering a refill.A2
¿Le pongo un poquito más de café?
Should I give you a little bit more coffee?
🌍Cultural Context
The Power of the Diminutive
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, especially in Mexico and Colombia, using 'poquito' instead of 'poco' isn't just about size—it's about politeness. It softens the request and makes you sound more humble and less demanding.
Hospitality and Food
When a host offers more food, saying 'un poquito más' is a great way to show you enjoyed the meal without appearing greedy. It's often culturally expected to accept at least 'un poquito' to show appreciation.
Hand Gestures
Spanish speakers often accompany 'un poquito' with a gesture: holding the thumb and index finger close together without touching. This visual aid is universal and helps clarify you mean a 'tiny' amount.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the word 'de'
Mistake: “Un poco más agua”
Correction: Un poco más de agua
💡Pro Tips
The 'Ito' Trick
If you want to sound extra friendly or are asking for a very small amount, add '-ito' to the end of words. 'Un poco' becomes 'un poquito', and 'un tanto' becomes 'un tantito'.
Responding to 'Anything else?'
If a waiter asks '¿Algo más?' (Anything else?), and you want just a tiny bit more of something, 'Solo un poquito más' is the perfect polite response.
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:Un pelín más
Pronunciation:oon peh-LEEN MAHS
Alternatives:
una pizcaun chisco
Spain loves the word 'pelín' for small quantities. It's very common in bars and restaurants.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:Un poquito más / Un tantito más
Pronunciation:oon tahn-TEE-toh MAHS
Alternatives:
un poquitititootro poquito
Mexicans frequently use 'tantito' as a synonym for 'poquito' and often stack diminutives (poquititito) to mean a microscopic amount.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:Un toque más
Pronunciation:oon TOH-keh MAHS
Alternatives:
un cachito más
Argentines often use 'un toque' (a touch) or 'un cachito' (a little piece) in casual conversation.
💬What Comes Next?
You've asked for a little more and they provide it
They say:
Aquí tiene.
Here you go.
→
You respond:
Muchas gracias, con eso basta.
Thank you very much, that's enough.
A waiter asks if you want more of anything
They say:
¿Desea algo más?
Do you desire anything else?
→
You respond:
Solo un poco más de agua, por favor.
Just a little more water, please.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
Ya basta / Es suficiente
Useful for stopping someone after you've asked for 'a little more.'
Mucho más
The logical opposite of 'un poco más' for when you need a lot.
Nada más, gracias
Perfect for ending a transaction or order politely.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: a little bit more
Question 1 of 3
You are at a friend's house in Madrid and want just a tiny bit more wine. Which casual phrase is most appropriate?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'un poco más' formal or informal?
It is neutral! You can use 'un poco más' with your boss, a waiter, or your best friend without worry.
What is the difference between 'poco' and 'pequeño'?
'Poco' refers to quantity (amount), while 'pequeño' refers to physical size. Use 'poco' for 'a little bit more' of a substance or time.
Can I use 'más poco' to say 'less'?
No, that's a common mistake! To say 'less' or 'a little bit less', you should say 'un poco menos'.
What does 'un cachito' mean?
It's a very informal way to say 'a little piece' or 'a little bit,' common in countries like Venezuela, Mexico, and Argentina.
📖Related Lessons
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