If you want to know how to say a little in Italian, the most common expression is un po’. It means “a little,” “a bit,” or “some.” You can also use un pochino for “a little bit,” often with a softer or friendlier tone.
“A little” in Italian is un po’, pronounced approximately “oon poh.” For example, Parlo un po’ d’italiano means “I speak a little Italian.” For other expressions when starting a conversation, see common Italian phrases.
- How Do You Say A Little in Italian?
- Different Ways to Say A Little in Italian
- A Little in Italian: Quick Comparison
- How to Pronounce Un Po’
- How to Use Un Po’ in Italian
- Example Sentences Using A Little in Italian
- Frequently Asked Questions About A Little in Italian
- Summary: How to Say A Little in Italian
How Do You Say A Little in Italian?
The everyday Italian expression for a little is un po’. The apostrophe shows that it is a shortened form of un poco.
Use it with nouns, adjectives, and verbs: un po’ di tempo, “a little time,” un po’ stanco, “a little tired,” and aspettare un po’, “wait a little.” To ask for a larger amount, compare more in Italian.
Meaning: A little
Different Ways to Say A Little in Italian
Use un po’ as the normal conversational form. Other choices add emphasis or express a small quantity.
1. Un po’ — A Little / A Bit
Un po’ is the most common expression. Before a noun, add di: un po’ di acqua, “a little water.” Before a vowel, di often becomes d’.
2. Un pochino — A Little Bit
Un pochino means “a little bit.” It can sound softer or more affectionate than un po’. Aspetta un pochino means “Wait a little bit.”
3. Poco — Little / Not Much
Poco means “little” or “not much.” It agrees with a noun: poco tempo, “little time,” and poca acqua, “little water.”
4. Un poco — A Little
Un poco is the full form behind un po’. It is understandable but can sound more formal, literary, or deliberate in everyday conversation.
5. Un pizzico — A Pinch / A Little
Un pizzico literally means “a pinch,” especially of an ingredient. Un pizzico di sale means “a pinch of salt.”
A Little in Italian: Quick Comparison
← Swipe horizontally to see the full table →
| Italian | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| un po’ | a little / a bit | Everyday general expression |
| un pochino | a little bit | Soft or friendly tone |
| poco / poca | little / not much | Agrees with a noun |
| un poco | a little | Full or more formal form |
| un pizzico | a pinch | Small amount, especially food |
How to Pronounce Un Po’
Un po’ is pronounced approximately “oon poh.” The final o is open and clear. The apostrophe does not add a separate sound; it shows the shortened spelling of poco.
Keep the two words connected: un po’. Do not pronounce the final c of the full word poco in this shortened expression.
How to Use Un Po’ in Italian
Before a noun, use un po’ di + noun: un po’ di pane, “a little bread.” Before an adjective, place it directly before the adjective: un po’ difficile, “a little difficult.”
With a verb, place it after the verb or at the end of the phrase: Parla un po’ più lentamente, “Speak a little more slowly.”
Example Sentences Using A Little in Italian
Use: Describing a small amount of ability.
Use: Asking for a short wait.
Use: Requesting a small amount.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Little in Italian
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say a little in Italian?
Say un po’, pronounced “oon poh.”
What is the difference between un po’ and poco?
Un po’ means “a little” and is very common in conversation. Poco means “little” or “not much” and agrees with the noun: poco tempo, poca acqua.
How do you say a little bit in Italian?
Say un pochino or un po’.
How do you say a little water in Italian?
Say un po’ d’acqua or un po’ di acqua.
How do you say wait a little in Italian?
Say aspetta un po’ informally or aspetti un po’ formally.
How do you write un po correctly?
Write un po’ with an apostrophe because it is shortened from un poco. Do not write “un pò” with a grave accent.
Summary: How to Say A Little in Italian
The most common way to say a little in Italian is un po’. Use un pochino for “a little bit” and poco or poca with nouns.
Before a noun, use un po’ di: un po’ di tempo, “a little time.” Remember the apostrophe in un po’.
