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How to Say "scant" in Spanish

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poco

PO-koˈpoko

adjectiveA1formal
Use 'poco' when referring to a generally small amount or number of something, often in a more formal or neutral context.
A nearly empty bookshelf with only a few books on one shelf, illustrating the concept of 'few'.

Examples

Hay pocos coches en la calle hoy.

There are few cars on the street today.

Tengo poca paciencia para estas cosas.

I have little patience for these things.

Recibimos pocas quejas sobre el servicio.

We receive few complaints about the service.

Making 'Poco' Agree

When 'poco' describes a thing, it must change to match. Use 'poco' for masculine things, 'poca' for feminine things, 'pocos' for plural masculine things, and 'pocas' for plural feminine things.

Forgetting to Match

Mistake: “Tengo poco amigas.”

Correction: Tengo pocas amigas. You need to use 'pocas' because 'amigas' is a feminine, plural word.

escaso

es-KAH-soesˈkaso

adjectiveB2
Choose 'escaso' when emphasizing a very small or limited quantity, especially when it's just barely enough or even insufficient, often related to time or resources.
A small cup of water that is only filled to the very bottom line.

Examples

Llegaron hace unos escasos minutos.

They arrived just a few minutes ago.

El corredor ganó por una escasa diferencia.

The runner won by a tiny margin.

Tiene unos escasos ahorros.

He has very meager savings.

Using with Numbers

When used before a number (like 'unos escasos cinco euros'), it acts as a way to say 'only' or 'hardly'.

precario

pre-KAH-ryohpɾeˈkaɾjo

adjectiveB2
Use 'precario' when describing conditions or resources that are barely adequate, often implying a poor or unstable situation.
A simple wooden chair with a broken leg and cracked seat.

Examples

Viven en condiciones precarias sin agua corriente.

They live in poor conditions without running water.

Su salud es precaria desde el accidente.

His health has been poor/fragile since the accident.

Los medios económicos del hospital son precarios.

The hospital's financial resources are meager.

Describing groups

When describing a group of people in poor conditions, use 'precarios' for men/mixed groups and 'precarias' for all-women groups.

Precario vs Pobre

Mistake: “Thinking 'precario' is just another word for 'poor'.”

Correction: While similar, 'precario' implies that the situation is likely to break or fail, while 'pobre' just means there is no money.

Distinguishing 'escaso' from 'poco'

Learners often confuse 'escaso' and 'poco' because both mean 'few' or 'little'. Remember that 'poco' is more general, while 'escaso' often implies a scarcity or a quantity that is just barely sufficient or insufficient.

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