Meaning
Indicates a small quantity or degree.
Cultural Background
The French use 'un peu' to be humble. Even a fluent speaker might say they speak 'un peu' of a language to avoid appearing arrogant. In Quebec, you might hear 'un petit brin' or 'une miette' as informal alternatives to 'un peu'. The term 'chouïa' is widely used in French-speaking North Africa and has been fully integrated into mainland French slang.
The 'De' Rule
Never say 'un peu du' or 'un peu des'. It is always 'un peu de'. This is a very common exam trap!
Polite Softening
If you need to criticize something, start with 'C'est un peu...'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Meaning
Indicates a small quantity or degree.
The 'De' Rule
Never say 'un peu du' or 'un peu des'. It is always 'un peu de'. This is a very common exam trap!
Polite Softening
If you need to criticize something, start with 'C'est un peu...'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'un peu' or 'un peu de'.
Je voudrais ___ fromage.
Use 'un peu de' because it is followed by a noun (fromage).
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am a bit sad'?
'Un peu' is used as an adverb before an adjective without 'de'.
Match the French to the English.
Match the quantities.
Understanding the scale of quantity is key.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu parles espagnol? B: ____, mais je comprends bien.
When used as a standalone answer for a skill, 'Un peu' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Quantity Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe voudrais ___ fromage.
Use 'un peu de' because it is followed by a noun (fromage).
How do you say 'I am a bit sad'?
'Un peu' is used as an adverb before an adjective without 'de'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the scale of quantity is key.
A: Tu parles espagnol? B: ____, mais je comprends bien.
When used as a standalone answer for a skill, 'Un peu' is correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Un peu' means 'a little bit' (positive/neutral). 'Peu' means 'hardly any' (negative/insufficient).
Technically yes (un peu de gens), but it's better to use 'quelques' for countable items.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Use 'un petit peu' or the slang 'un chouïa'.
Related Phrases
un petit peu
similara tiny bit
beaucoup
contrasta lot
un peu trop
builds ona bit too much
