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How to Say "slightly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ligeramente

/lee-hair-ah-MEN-teh//lixeɾaˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use this word to indicate a small degree of change or modification, often when describing something that has increased or decreased by a small amount.
A single drop of water falling into a large bowl of water, creating a tiny ripple.

Examples

El tiempo ha mejorado ligeramente hoy.

The weather has improved slightly today.

El precio ha subido ligeramente este mes.

The price has gone up slightly this month.

Estoy ligeramente cansada hoy.

I am slightly tired today.

El plan original cambió ligeramente.

The original plan changed slightly.

The '-mente' Ending

In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of a feminine adjective is just like adding '-ly' in English to describe how an action happens.

Placement in a Sentence

Mistake: “Using 'ligeramente' far away from the word it describes.”

Correction: Place it right before the adjective (e.g., 'ligeramente alto') or right after the action word (e.g., 'subió ligeramente') for clarity.

poco

/PO-ko//ˈpoko/

adverbA1general
This is a versatile adverb meaning 'little' or 'a little,' often used to quantify or indicate a small amount of something, like an action, quality, or quantity.
A person whispering very quietly to another person, illustrating the idea of doing something 'a little'.

Examples

Necesito un poco de ayuda con esto.

I need a little help with this.

Hablo poco, pero escucho mucho.

I speak little, but I listen a lot.

Mi abuela duerme poco por la noche.

My grandmother sleeps little at night.

El hotel está un poco lejos del centro.

The hotel is a little far from the center.

The Unchanging Word

When 'poco' tells you how an action is done (like 'hablo poco') or describes another describing word (like 'poco interesante'), it never changes. It's always just 'poco'.

Trying to Make it Match

Mistake: “Ella estudia pocas.”

Correction: Ella estudia poco. Because 'poco' describes the action of studying, it doesn't change to match 'ella'.

poquito

/po-KEE-toh//poˈkito/

adverbA1informal
Use this diminutive form of 'poco' to emphasize a very small amount, often adding a sense of endearment or informality.
A small child gently pushing a large wooden block forward only a few millimeters, illustrating a minimal action.

Examples

Dame un poquito de azúcar, por favor.

Give me a tiny bit of sugar, please.

¿Puedes esperar un poquito?

Can you wait a little bit?

Estoy un poquito cansado después del viaje.

I'm slightly tired after the trip.

Ella habla español un poquito mejor ahora.

She speaks Spanish a little bit better now.

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.

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).

Choosing between 'poco' and 'ligeramente'

Learners often confuse 'poco' and 'ligeramente.' 'Ligeramente' specifically describes a small degree of change or intensity, while 'poco' is more general and can mean 'little' in quantity or even 'seldom.'

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