Meaning
Small quantity.
Cultural Background
When offered food in an Italian home, saying you want 'un po'' is a polite way to show you are interested without appearing greedy. It also leaves room for the host to insist you take more, which is a common social ritual. In Rome, you will frequently hear 'un pochetto' instead of 'un po'. It adds a layer of local friendliness and is used in almost every casual interaction. In the South, especially in Campania and Sicily, the full form 'un poco' (or 'nu poco') is heard more frequently than in the North, where 'un po'' is almost exclusive. In Italian business, 'un po'' is used to deliver criticism gently. A boss might say a project is 'un po' debole' (a bit weak) rather than 'brutto' (bad) to maintain professional harmony.
The 'Di' Rule
If you can put 'of' after it in English (a bit OF bread), use 'di' in Italian.
Spelling Matters
Never write 'pò'. It is the hallmark of a beginner or a lazy writer.
Meaning
Small quantity.
The 'Di' Rule
If you can put 'of' after it in English (a bit OF bread), use 'di' in Italian.
Spelling Matters
Never write 'pò'. It is the hallmark of a beginner or a lazy writer.
The Softener
Use 'un po'' before any negative adjective to sound more polite and native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'un po'' or 'un po' di'.
Vorrei ___ pane, per favore.
Since 'pane' is a noun, you must use 'un po' di'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct spelling:
The correct form always uses an apostrophe, never an accent or nothing.
Match the Italian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These variations show the range of 'un po'' from tiny amounts to large ones.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Parli italiano? B: Sì, ___.
When used alone at the end of a sentence to mean 'a little,' 'un po'' is the standard form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bar and want a tiny drop of milk in your coffee.
'Un pochino' is the diminutive form, perfect for 'a tiny drop'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Using 'un po''
Food
- • un po' di pizza
- • un po' di vino
- • un po' di sale
Feelings
- • un po' triste
- • un po' felice
- • un po' stanco
Time
- • aspetta un po'
- • tra un po'
- • per un po'
Practice Bank
5 exercisesVorrei ___ pane, per favore.
Since 'pane' is a noun, you must use 'un po' di'.
Select the correct spelling:
The correct form always uses an apostrophe, never an accent or nothing.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These variations show the range of 'un po'' from tiny amounts to large ones.
A: Parli italiano? B: Sì, ___.
When used alone at the end of a sentence to mean 'a little,' 'un po'' is the standard form.
You are at a bar and want a tiny drop of milk in your coffee.
'Un pochino' is the diminutive form, perfect for 'a tiny drop'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
No, for 'a few people' use 'alcune persone' or 'pochi'. 'Un po'' is for quantity or degree.
It shows that the 'co' from 'poco' has been removed.
'Un po'' is much more common in speech; 'un poco' is more formal or regional.
No, it is invariable. It's always 'un po''.
Use 'un po' di più'.
Use 'un po' di meno'.
No, that's a contradiction. Use 'un bel po'' if you mean 'a lot'.
No, adults use it to be extra polite or to emphasize a very small amount.
Yes, e.g., 'Un po' di zucchero non guasta mai' (A bit of sugar never hurts).
Related Phrases
un bel po'
contrastquite a lot
un pochino
specialized forma tiny bit
poco a poco
builds onlittle by little
per un po'
specialized formfor a while
un tantino
synonyma tiny bit / a tad
