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a little (bit) less

1 peu

peu [pø]

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1. adverb

2. indefinite pronoun

3. masculine noun

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► Lorsque peu fait partie d'une locution comme avant peu, sous peu, reportez-vous à l'autre mot.

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1. <

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► peu se traduit souvent par l'équivalent anglais de pas beaucoup.

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   a. ( = pas beaucoup) not much

• il mange peu he doesn't eat much

• il lit peu he doesn't read much

• il lit assez peu he doesn't read very much

• il lit très peu he reads very little

• je le connais trop peu I don't know him well enough

► peu de (quantité) not much ; (nombre) not many

• nous avons eu peu de soleil we didn't have much sunshine

• nous avons eu très peu de pluie we've had very little rain

• peu de gens connaissent cet endroit not many people know this place

• il y a peu d'enfants dans cet immeuble there aren't many children in this building

• en peu de mots in a few words

• il est ici pour peu de temps he's not staying long

• il faut peu de chose pour le choquer it doesn't take much to shock him

• peu de monde few people

   b. ( = pas très) not very

• il est peu sociable he's not very sociable

• c'est peu probable it's not very likely

• ils sont trop peu nombreux there are too few of them

• un auteur assez peu connu a relatively unknown author

   c. ( = pas longtemps) shortly

• elle est arrivée peu après she arrived shortly afterwards

• peu avant 11 heures shortly before 11 o'clock

   d. ( = rarement) ils se voient peu they don't see each other very often

• elle sort peu she doesn't go out much

   e. (locutions)

► peu à peu little by little

• peu à peu, l'idée a gagné du terrain little by little the idea gained ground► à peu près about

• il pèse à peu près 50 kilos he weighs about 50 kilos► de peu

• il est plus âgé de peu he's a little older

• il l'a battu de peu he just beat him

• il a manqué le train de peu he just missed the train► pour peu que + subjonctif if

• pour peu qu'il soit sorti sans sa clé... if he should have come out without his key...

2. <

• bien peu le savent very few people know

• peu d'entre eux sont restés not many of them stayed

3. <

( = petite quantité) little

• j'ai oublié le peu de français que j'avais appris I've forgotten the little French I'd learnt

• le peu de cheveux qui lui reste what little hair he has left

► un (petit) peu a bit a little

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► un peu se traduit souvent par l'expression a bit, qui est plus familière que a little ; de même, on peut dire a bit of au lieu de a little pour traduire un peu de.

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• il te ressemble un peu he looks a bit like you

• restez encore un peu stay a bit longer

• essaie de manger un peu try to eat a little

• il travaille un peu trop he works a bit too much

• c'est un peu fort ! that's a bit much! (inf)

• c'est un peu grand it's a bit big

• il y a un peu moins de bruit it is a little less noisy

• donnez-m'en juste un petit peu just give me a little bit

• elle va un tout petit peu mieux she's a little better

• il y a un peu plus d'un an just over a year ago

• on trouve ce produit un peu partout you can get this product just about anywhere

• un peu plus et il oubliait son rendez-vous he very nearly forgot his appointment

• je me demande un peu où sont les enfants I'm just wondering where the children are

• un peu ! (inf) and how! (inf)

• il nous a menti, et pas qu'un peu ! (inf) he lied to us bigtime! (inf)

► un peu de a little a bit of

• un peu d'eau a little water

• un peu de patience a little patience

• un peu de silence, s'il vous plaît ! can we have a bit of quiet please!► pour un peu

• pour un peu, il m'aurait accusé he all but accused me

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Note: Les emplois de peu avec avant, d'ici, depuis, sous sont traités respectivement sous chacun de ces mots

Il sera également utile de se reporter à la note d'usage sur les quantités
pø
1.

adverbe

1) ( modifiant un verbe) not much

elle gagne assez peu — she doesn't earn very much

elle gagne très peu — she earns very little

le radiateur chauffe peu — the radiator doesn't give out much heat

je sais me contenter de peu — I'm satisfied with very little

deux semaines c'est trop peu — two weeks isn't long enough

si peu que ce soit — however little

tu ne vas pas t'en faire pour si peu — you're not going to worry about such a little thing

la catastrophe a été évitée de peu — disaster was only just avoided

ça importe peu — it doesn't really matter

c'est peu dire — to say the least

il est aussi borné que son père et ce n'est pas peu dire! — (colloq) he's as narrow-minded as his father and that's saying a lot!

un homme comme on en voit peu — the kind of man you don't often come across

très peu pour moi! — (colloq) fig no thanks! (colloq)

2) ( modifiant un adjectif) not very

assez peu connu — little-known

ils se sentent très peu concernés par... — they feel quite unconcerned about...

nous étions peu nombreux — there weren't many of us

un individu peu recommandable — a disreputable character

elle n'est pas peu fière — she's more than a little proud

2.

pronom indéfini

peu leur font confiance — few ou not many people trust them

3.

peu de déterminant indéfini

1) ( avec un nom dénombrable)

peu de mots — few words

2) ( avec un nom non dénombrable)

peu de temps — little time

en peu de temps — in next to no time

il y a peu de bruit — there's not much noise

c'est peu de chose — it's not much

avec peu de chose elle a fait un repas délicieux — with very little she made a delicious meal

on est bien peu de chose! — we're so insignificant!

4.

nom masculin

1) ( petite quantité)

le peu de — the little [confiance, liberté]; the few [livres, amis]

il a voulu montrer le peu d'importance qu'il attachait à l'affaire — he wanted to show how unimportant the matter was to him

2) ( manque)

le peu de — the lack of

5.

un peu locution adverbiale

1) ( dans une mesure faible) a little, a bit

reste encore un peu — stay a little longer

‘elle aime le fromage?’ - ‘oui, pas qu'un peu (colloq)!’ — ‘does she like cheese?’ - ‘does she ever (colloq)!’

2) ( modifiant un adverbe) a little, a bit

parle un peu moins fort — keep your voice down

elle se maquille un peu trop — she wears a bit too much make-up

un peu plus de gens — a few more people

un peu moins de — slightly less [pluie]; slightly fewer [gens]

amène tes amis, un peu plus un peu moins... — bring your friends, another two or three people won't make much difference

‘il avait l'air un peu contrarié’ - ‘un peu beaucoup même (colloq)’ — ‘he looked a bit annoyed’ - ‘more than a bit’

3) ( emploi stylistique) just

répète un peu pour voir! — (colloq) you just try saying that again!

je vous demande un peu! — (colloq) I ask you!

il sait un peu (colloq) de quoi il parle — he does know what he's talking about

4) ( emploi par antiphrase) a little

tu ne serais pas un peu jaloux toi? — aren't you just a little jealous?

5) (colloq) ( pour renforcer une affirmation)

il est un peu bien ton copain! — your boyfriend is a bit of all right (colloq) GB ou a good-looker! (colloq)

‘tu le ferais toi?’ - ‘un peu (que je le ferais)!’ — ‘would you do it?’ - ‘I sure would (colloq)!’

6.

peu à peu locution adverbiale gradually, little by little

7.

pour un peu locution adverbiale

pour un peu ils se seraient battus — they very nearly had a fight

8.

pour peu que locution conjonctive if

pour peu qu'il ait bu, il va nous raconter sa vie — if he's had anything at all to drink, he'll tell us his life story

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pø
1. adv

1) (modifiant un verbe) not much

Il boit peu. — He doesn't drink much.

Il voyage peu. — He doesn't travel much.

J'ai peu mangé à midi. — I didn't eat much for lunch.

2) (modifiant un adjectif) not very

Il est peu bavard. — He's not very talkative.

3) (modifiant un adverbe)

peu avant — shortly before

peu après — shortly afterwards

4) (modifiant un nom)

peu de (avec nom pluriel) — not many, few, (avec nom singulier) not a lot of, not much

peu de gens — not many people, few people

peu d'arbres — not many trees, few trees

Il y a peu de bons films au cinéma. — There aren't many good films on at the cinema.

Elle a peu d'amis. — She hasn't got many friends.

Il reste peu de lait. — There isn't much milk left., There isn't a lot of milk left.

Il a peu d'espoir. — He hasn't got much hope., He has little hope.

Il a peu d'espoir de réussir. — He doesn't have much hope of succeeding.

Il lui reste peu d'argent. — He hasn't got much money left.

c'est peu de chose — it's nothing, it's not much

pour peu de temps — for a short while

à peu de frais — for very little cost

5) (autres locutions)

peu à peu — little by little

à peu près — just about, more or less

J'ai à peu près fini. — I've just about finished., I've more or less finished.

à peu près 10 kg — about 10 kg, around 10 kg

à peu près deux heures — about two hours, around two hours

Le voyage prend à peu près deux heures. — The journey takes about two hours., The journey takes around two hours.

pour peu qu'il fasse — if he should do, if by any chance he does

avant peu — before long

sous peu — shortly

depuis peu (au présent) — for a short while, for a little while

Je suis parisien depuis peu. — I've only been living in Paris for a short while., (au passé) a short while ago, a little while ago

Il est rentré depuis peu. — He came back a short while ago.

de peu — only just

Chantal a manqué son train de peu. — Chantal only just missed her train.

Il est de peu mon cadet. — He's just a bit younger than me.

2. nm

1)

le peu de gens qui — the few people who

le peu de sable qui — what little sand, the little sand which

2)

un peu (emploi pronominal) — a little

J'en voudrais un peu. — I'd like a little., (emploi adverbial, avec adjectif) a little, a bit

Elle est un peu timide. — She's a bit shy., She's a little shy.

un peu de — a little, a bit of

un peu de gâteau — a bit of cake

un peu de lait — a little milk, a bit of milk

un peu d'espoir — a little hope, a bit of hope

un petit peu — a little bit

un petit peu de crème — a little bit of cream

un peu plus de [vent, sucre, personnes, voitures] — slightly more

un peu moins de [vent, sucre] — slightly less, [personnes, voitures] slightly fewer

3) (autres locutions)

pour un peu il...; un peu plus et il... — he very nearly..., he all but...

essayez un peu! — just try it!

3. pron

few

peu le savent — few people know

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peu

❢ Les emplois de peu avec avant, d'ici, depuis, sous sont traités respectivement sous chacun de ces mots. Il sera également utile de se reporter à la note d'usage sur les quantités ⇒ Les quantités.

A adv

1 ( modifiant un verbe) not much; il travaille/dort/parle peu he doesn't work/sleep/talk much; elle gagne assez peu she doesn't earn very much; elle gagne très/trop peu she earns very/too little; le radiateur chauffe peu the radiator doesn't give out much heat; je sors assez/très peu I don't go out very much/very much at all; je sais me contenter de peu I'm satisfied with very little; 40 euros/un demi-litre/1,50 m, c'est (bien) peu 40 euros/half a litre^GB/1,50 m, that's not (very) much; 20 personnes, c'est peu 20 people, that's not many; dix minutes/deux mois ça fait peu ten minutes/two months, that's not long; deux semaines c'est trop peu two weeks isn't long enough; si peu que ce soit however little, no matter how little; tu ne vas pas t'en faire pour si peu you're not going to worry about such a little thing; je ne vais pas me casser la tête pour si peu I'm not going to rack my brains over such a little thing; il leur en faut peu pour pleurer/paniquer it doesn't take much to make them cry/panic; la catastrophe a été évitée de peu disaster was only just avoided; tu les as ratés de peu you've just missed them; il est mon aîné de peu he's slightly older than me; j'aime peu sa façon de dévisager les gens I don't much care for the way he stares at people; ça compte or importe peu it doesn't really matter; la cuisine n'est pas très bonne, et c'est peu dire the food isn't very good to say the least; il est aussi borné que son père et ce n'est pas peu dire○! he's as narrow-minded as his father and that's saying a lot!; un homme comme on en voit or fait○ peu the kind of man you don't often come across; très peu pour moi○! fig no thanks○!;

2 ( modifiant un adjectif) not very; peu soigneux/ambitieux/fier not very tidy/ambitious/proud; il est très peu jaloux he's not at all jealous; c'est un endroit assez peu connu it's a relatively little-known spot; cet endroit trop peu connu des touristes this spot which is sadly little known to tourists; pour les personnes trop peu qualifiées for people who haven't got enough qualifications; ils se sentent très ou fort peu concernés par… they feel quite unconcerned about…; nous étions peu nombreux there weren't many of us; nous étions très/trop peu nombreux there were very/too few of us; un individu peu recommandable a disreputable character; elle n'est pas peu fière she's more than a little proud.

B pron indéf peu lui font confiance few ou not many people trust him/her; il a écrit beaucoup de livres, peu lui survivront he has written many books, few will outlive him.

C peu de dét indéf

1 ( avec un nom dénombrable) peu de mots/d'occasions few words/opportunities;

2 ( avec un nom non dénombrable) peu de temps/d'espoir little time/hope; en peu de temps in next to no time; j'ai peu de temps pour le faire I haven't got much time to do it; il y a peu de changement there's little change; il y a peu de bruit there's not much noise; il est tombé peu de neige/pluie cet hiver there hasn't been much snow/rain this winter; il a peu de patience he's not very patient; c'est peu de chose it's not much; cela représente peu de chose it stands for little; avec peu de chose elle a fait un repas délicieux with very little she made a delicious meal; on est bien peu de chose! we're so insignificant!; il y a peu de visiteurs/divergences there are few ou not many visitors/differences; très peu de personnes sont atteintes very few people are affected; en peu de mots/jours in a few words/days; je sais peu de choses sur lui I don't know much about him; il y a peu de chances qu'il accepte he's unlikely to accept; la proposition a peu de chances d'aboutir the proposal has little chance of getting through.

D nm

1 ( petite quantité) le peu de the little [importance, confiance, pluie, liberté]; the few [livres, souvenirs, amis]; il a oublié le peu d'anglais qu'il savait he's forgotten the ou what little English he knew; elle s'est fait voler le peu d'objets qu'il lui restait she was robbed of the few things she had left; je vais dépenser le peu d'argent qu'il me reste I'm going to spend the ou what little money I've got left; il a voulu montrer le peu d'importance qu'il attachait à l'affaire he wanted to show how unimportant the matter was to him; je leur ai dit le peu que je savais I told them the ou what little I knew; il a dépensé le peu qu'il lui restait he spent what little he had left;

2 ( manque) le peu de the lack of; malgré le peu d'intérêt manifesté despite the lack of interest; j'ai remarqué ton peu d'enthousiasme I've noticed your lack of enthusiasm; ton peu d'appétit m'inquiète your lack of appetite is worrying me.

E un peu loc adv

1 ( dans une mesure faible) a little, a bit; mange un peu eat a little; cela m'inquiète/m'énerve/m'ennuie un peu it worries me/annoys me/bothers me a little ou a bit; ça m'agace plus qu'un peu○ it annoys me to say the least; le rôti est un peu brûlé the roast is a bit ou slightly burned; elle est un peu médium/poète○ she's a bit of a ou something of a medium/poet; tu ne serais pas un peu casse-cou? you're a bit of a daredevil, aren't you?; dors/attends/reste encore un peu sleep/wait/stay a little longer; ‘il a plu?’-‘pas qu'un peu○!’ ‘did it rain?’-‘did it ever○!’; ‘elle aime le fromage?’-‘oui, pas qu'un peu!’ ‘does she like cheese?’-‘does she ever○!’;

2 ( modifiant un adverbe) a little, a bit; mange un peu plus/moins eat a bit more/less; parle un peu plus fort speak a little ou a bit louder; parle un peu moins fort keep your voice down; va un peu moins/plus vite go a bit slower/faster; il fait un peu moins froid qu'hier it's a little less cold than yesterday; il fait un peu plus froid qu'hier it's slightly ou a little colder than yesterday; un peu au-dessous/au-dessus de la moyenne slightly below/above average; elle se maquille un peu trop she wears a bit too much make-up; un peu plus de bruit/vent a bit more noise/wind; un peu plus de gens/problèmes a few more people/problems; un peu moins de slightly less [pluie, humour]; slightly fewer [gens, tableaux]; peux-tu me donner un tout petit peu plus de carottes can you give me just a few more carrots; amène tes amis, un peu plus un peu moins tu sais… bring your friends, another two or three people won't make much difference; donne-moi ton linge à laver, un peu plus un peu moins… give me your laundry, a bit more won't make any difference; ‘il avait l'air un peu contrarié’-‘un peu beaucoup même○’ ‘he looked a bit annoyed’-‘more than a bit’;

3 ( emploi stylistique) just; arrête un peu de faire l'idiot! just stop behaving like an idiot!; répète un peu pour voir○! you just try saying that again!; vise un peu la perruque○! just look at the wig!; réfléchis un peu just think; je vous demande un peu○! I ask you!; il sait un peu de quoi il parle○ he does know what he's talking about;

4 ( emploi par antiphrase) a little; tu ne serais pas un peu jaloux toi? aren't you just a little jealous?; ton histoire est un peu tirée par les cheveux your story is a little far-fetched to say the least; c'est un peu tard! it's a bit late!; tu exagères ou pousses○ un peu! you're pushing it a bit○!;

5 ○( pour renforcer une affirmation) il est un peu bien ton copain! your boyfriend is a bit of all right○!; ‘tu le ferais toi?’-‘un peu (que je le ferais)!’ ‘would you do it?’-‘I sure would○!’; comme organisateur il se pose un peu là! as an organizer he's great!

F peu à peu loc adv gradually, little by little; les nuages se dissiperont peu à peu the clouds will gradually clear.

G pour un peu loc adv very nearly; pour un peu ils se seraient battus they very nearly had a fight; pour un peu il m'aurait insulté! he very nearly insulted me!

H pour peu que loc conj if; pour peu qu'il ait bu, il va nous raconter sa vie if he's had anything at all to drink, he'll tell us his life story.

[pø] adverbe

A.[EMPLOYÉ SEUL]

1. [modifiant un verbe] little, not much

il mange/parle peu he doesn't eat/talk much

je le connais peu I don't know him well

c'est peu le connaître it just shows how little you know him

il vient très peu he comes very rarely, he very seldom comes

on s'est très peu vu we saw very little of each other

j'ai trop peu confiance en elle I don't trust her enough

2. [modifiant un adjectif, un adverbe etc] not very

une avenue peu fréquentée a quiet street

il est assez peu soigneux he doesn't take much care

l'alibi est fort peu crédible the alibi is highly implausible

peu avant shortly ou not long before

peu après soon after, shortly ou not long after

je ne suis pas peu fier du résultat I'm more than a little proud of the result

B.[EMPLOI NOMINAL]

1. (avec déterminant) [indiquant la faible quantité]

le peu que tu gagnes the little you earn

(sans déterminant)

il vit de peu he lives off very little

il est mon aîné de peu he's only slightly older than me

il a raté son examen de peu (familier) he just failed his exam, he failed his exam by a hair's breadth

c'est peu it's not much

hommes/gens de peu (littéraire) worthless men/people

c'est peu (que) de le dire, encore faut-il le faire! that's easier said than done!

c'est peu dire that's an understatement, that's putting it mildly

ce n'est pas peu dire! and that's saying something!

très peu pour moi! (familier) not on your life!

2. [dans le temps]

ils sont partis il y a peu they left a short while ago, they haven't long left

d'ici peu very soon, before long

vous aurez de mes nouvelles avant peu you'll hear from me before long

je travaille ici depuis peu I've only been working here for a while, I haven't been working here long

3. [quelques personnes] a few (people)

nous étions peu à le croire only a few of us believed it

C.[PRÉCÉDÉ DE 'UN']

1. [modifiant un verbe]

un peu a little, a bit

je le connais un peu I know him a little ou a bit

reste un peu avec moi stay with me for a while

veux-tu manger un peu? do you want something to eat?

pousse-toi un (tout) petit peu move up a (little) bit

viens un peu par là come here a minute

pose-lui un peu la question, et tu verras! just ask him, and you'll see!

fais voir un peu... let me have a look...

tu l'as vu? — un peu! (familier) did you see it? — you bet I did ou and how!

un peu que je vais lui dire ce que je pense! (familier) I'll give him a piece of my mind, don't you worry (about that)!

2. [modifiant un adjectif, un adverbe etc]

un peu a little, a bit

je suis un peu pressée I'm in a bit of a hurry

il est un peu poète he's a bit of a poet

un peu partout just about ou pretty much everywhere

un peu plus a little ou bit more

un peu plus de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] a few more

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] a little (bit) more

un peu moins a little ou bit less

roule un peu moins vite drive a little more slowly

un peu moins de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] slightly fewer, not so many

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] a little (bit) less

nous avons un peu moins de difficultés we're not having quite so many difficulties

un peu trop a little ou bit too (much)

il en fait vraiment un peu trop! he's really making too much of it!

un peu beaucoup (familier) a bit much

tu as bu un peu beaucoup hier soir (familier) you certainly had a few last night

elle est jolie — un peu, oui! (familier) she's pretty — just a bit!

un peu plus et l'évier débordait! another minute and the sink would have overflowed!

un peu plus et on se serait cru au bord de la mer you could almost imagine that you were at the seaside

un peu plus, et je partais I was just about to leave

un peu plus et je me faisais écraser! I was within an inch of being run over!

peu à peu locution adverbiale

little by little, bit by bit, gradually

on s'habitue, peu à peu you get used to things, bit by bit ou gradually

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peu de locution déterminante

1. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] not much, little

[suivi d'un nom comptable] not many, few

cela a peu d'intérêt it's of little interest

peu de temps: je ne reste que peu de temps I'm only staying for a short while, I'm not staying long

il n'a que peu de temps à me consacrer he can only give me a small amount of time

peu de temps avant/après not long before/after

il y avait peu de neige there wasn't much snow

j'ai peu d'amis I have few friends, I don't have many friends

en peu de mots in a few words

on est peu de chose what an insignificant thing man is

c'est peu de chose it's nothing

2. [avec un déterminant]

le peu de

a. [suivi d'un nom comptable] the ou what few

b. [suivi d'un nom non comptable] the ou what little

le peu de connaissances que j'ai the ou what few acquaintances I have

le peu de fois où je l'ai vu on the few ou rare occasions when I've seen him

le peu d'expérience que j'avais what little experience I had

son peu d'enthousiasme his lack of enthusiasm

avec ce peu de matériel/d'idées with such limited material/ideas

peu ou prou locution adverbiale

(littéraire)

more or less

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pour peu que locution conjonctive

pour peu qu'il le veuille, il réussira if he wants to, he'll succeed

pour un peu locution adverbiale

pour un peu il m'accuserait! he's all but accusing me!

pour un peu, j'oubliais mes clés I nearly forgot my keys

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quelque peu locution adverbiale

(soutenu)

1. [modifiant un verbe] just a little

2. [modifiant un adjectif] somewhat, rather

il était quelque peu éméché he was somewhat ou rather tipsy

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quelque peu de locution déterminante

(soutenu)

not a little

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si peu que locution conjonctive

si peu que j'y aille, j'apprécie toujours beaucoup l'opéra although I don't go very often, I always like the opera very much

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si peu... que locution conjonctive

si peu réaliste qu'il soit however unrealistic he may be

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sous peu locution adverbiale

before long, in a short while

vous recevrez sous peu les résultats de vos analyses you will receive the results of your tests in a short while

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un peu de locution déterminante

a little (bit) of

prends un peu de gâteau have a little ou some cake

un peu de tout a bit of everything

avec un peu de chance... with a little luck...

allons, un peu de patience! come on, let's be patient!

avec un (tout) petit peu de bonne volonté... with (just) a little willingness...

tu l'as quitté par dépit? — il y a un petit peu de ça so you left him in a fit of pique? — that was partly it ou that was part of the reason

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais > peu

2 un poco menos de

• a little bit less

• a little less

• some less

Diccionario Técnico Español-Inglés > un poco menos de

3 помалку

less; minor
————————
slowly, gradually, bit by bit, little by little, somewhat, less
————————
less

* * *

(време)
од
inside of

Македонско-англиски речник > помалку

4 малко

1. нар. (за мярка, степен, неброимо количество) little

по- малко less

най- малко least

ям/пия/пуша малко eat/drink/smoke little

малко известен little known, obscure

за по- малко (пари) for anything less

малко по-вляво a bit (over) to the left

малко по-нагоре a bit higher up

не приема нито стотинка по- малко от he will take nothing less than

2. (известно количество, до из вестна степен) a little, some; a bit, a touch

(за храна, питие, работа) a spot of

имам малко пари I've got some/a little money

дай ми малко хляб give me some bread

имай малко търпение have some patience

(в незначителна степен) slightly, a bit

познавам го малко I know him slightly

малко съм неразположен I'm slightly/a bit indisposed

(в неопределена степен) somewhat, rather, a bit

малко си при бързал you have been somewhat rash

3. (с бройни същ.) few

малко хора го знаят few people know him

(недостатъчно) (с не бройни същ.) (too) little, not enough

виното беше малко the wine was not enough

(с бройни същ.) (too) few, not enough

даде ми по- малко отколкото трябва he gave me short measure

4. (за време) a little while, a short time, shortly, a bit (earlier/later)

оставам за малко stay for a while

преди малко a short/little while ago

след малко presently, in a moment, in a very few minutes

малко след това shortly after wards

малко преди 4 часа shortly before four o'clock

малко по-рано/по-късно a bit earlier/later

за по- малко от час in less than an hour, within an hour

за- малко for a short time

5. (почти) nearly, all but, narrowly

за/без малко щях да изпусна влака I nearly missed the train

за малко не бутнах лампата I narrowly missed the lamp

за малко не избухнах I all but/nearly lost my temper, I was on the point of flaring up

за малко не загина he narrowly/just missed being killed

за малко не заплаках I was on the point/verge of tears. I nearly burst into tears

парите за малко не ни стигнаха we were just a few levs/pounds etc. short

малко по малко little by little, bit by bit

ни най- малко not at all. not in the least; not in the slightest (degree)

най- малкото at (the very) least; at best

най- малко аз съм човекът, който I am the last person to

и това не е малко! who'd have thought it! that beats all! малко му трябва, за да кипне/да се напие he flares up/gets drunk easily

тимът игра с един човек по- малко the team played a man short

той е малко нещо пи сател he is a bit of a writer

малко-много more or less

от малко-малко at least

задоволявам се с малко make do with (very) little

6. същ. little one, child, baby

(на жи вотно) cub

малки (на животно) young, litter, ( на птица и) nest

раждам малки bring forth young

* * *

ма̀лко,

нареч.

1. (за мярка, степен и пр.) little; \малко по-вляво a bit (over) to the left; \малко по-нагоре a bit higher up; най-\малко least; по-\малко less;

2. (до известна степен) a little, some; a bit, a touch; (за храна, питие, работа) a spot of; имам \малко пари I’ve got some/a little money; (в незначителна степен) slightly, a bit; \малко си прибързал you have been somewhat rash; познавам го \малко l know him slightly; (в неопределена степен) somewhat, rather, a bit;

3. (с броими същ.) few; даде ми по-\малко отколкото трябва he gave me short measure; \малко хора го знаят few people know him; ( недостатъчно) (с неброими същ.) (too) little, not enough; (с броими същ.) (too) few, not enough;

4. (за време) a little while, a short time, shortly, a bit (earlier/later); за \малко for a short time; за по-\малко от час in less than an hour, within an hour; \малко преди 4 часа̀ shortly before four o’clock; \малко след това shortly afterwards; оставам за \малко stay for a while; преди \малко a short/little while ago; след \малко presently, in a moment, in a very few minutes;

5. ( почти) nearly, all but, narrowly; за/без \малко щях да изпусна влака I nearly missed the train; за \малко не бутнах лампата I narrowly missed the lamp; за \малко не загина he narrowly/just missed being killed; за \малко не избухнах I all but/nearly lost my temper, I was on the point of flaring up; задоволявам се с \малко make do with (very) little; и това не е \малко! who’d have thought it! that beats all! \малко-много more or less; \малко му трябва, за да кипне he flares up easily; \малко по \малко little by little, bit by bit, in dribs and drabs, in penny numbers; най-\малко аз съм човекът, който I am the last person to; най-\малко с оценка добър 4 with a mark/grade 4 or better; най-\малкото at (the very) least; at best; ни най-\малко not at all, not in the least; not in the slightest (degree), not by a long chalk; парите за \малко не ни стигнаха we were just a few dollars/pounds etc. short; сега по-\малко от всякога е моментът да it is less than ever the time to; тимът игра с един човек по-\малко the team played a man short.

* * *

a bit; few: малко people know it. - Малко хора го знаят.; little; some: Give me малко bread. - Дай ми малко хляб.; somewhat; a touch (of)

* * *
1. (в незначителна степен) slightly, a bit 2. (в неопределена степен) somewhat, rather, a bit 3. (за време) a little while, a short time, shortly, a bit (earlier/later) 4. (за храна, питие, работа) а spot of 5. (известно количество, до из вестна степен) a little, some;a bit, a touch 6. (на жи вотно) cub 7. (недостатъчно) (с не бройни същ.) (too) little, not enough 8. (почти) nearly, all but, narrowly 9. (с бройни същ.) (too) few, not enough 10. (с бройни същ.) few 11. 1 нар. (за мярка, степен, неброимо количество) little 12. 5 часа shortly before four o'clock 13. 7 същ. little one, child, baby 14. МАЛКО -много more or less 15. МАЛКО известен little known, obscure 16. МАЛКО пo МАЛКО little by little, bit by bit 17. МАЛКО по-вляво a bit (over) to the left 18. МАЛКО по-нагоре a bit higher up 19. МАЛКО по-рано/по-късно a bit earlier/ later 20. МАЛКО преди 21. МАЛКО си при бързал you have been somewhat rash 22. МАЛКО след това shortly after wards 23. МАЛКО съм неразположен I'm slightly/a bit indisposed 24. МАЛКО хора го знаят few people know him 25. виното беше МАЛКО the wine was not enough 26. даде ми по-МАЛКО отколкото трябва he gave me short measure 27. дай ми МАЛКО хляб give me some bread 28. за -МАЛКО for a short time 29. за МАЛКО не бутнах лампата I narrowly missed the lamp 30. за МАЛКО не загина he narrowly/ just missed being killed 31. за МАЛКО не заплаках I was on the point/verge of tears. I nearly burst into tears 32. за МАЛКО не избухнах I all but/nearly lost my temper, I was on the point of flaring up 33. за по- МАЛКО от час in less than an hour, within an hour 34. за по-МАЛКО (пари) for anything less 35. за/без МАЛКО щях да изпусна влака I nearly missed the train 36. задоволявам се с МАЛКО make do with (very) little 37. и това не е МАЛКО! who'd have thought it! that beats all! МАЛКО му трябва, за да кипне/да се напие he flares up/gets drunk easily 38. имай МАЛКО търпение have some patience 39. имам МАЛКО пари I've got some/a little money 40. малки (на животно) young, litter, (на птица и) nest 41. най-МАЛКО least 42. най-МАЛКО аз съм човекът, който I am the last person to 43. най-МАЛКОто at (the very) least;at best 44. не приема нито стотинка по-МАЛКО от he will take nothing less than 45. ни най-МАЛКО not at all. not in the least;not in the slightest (degree) 46. оставам за МАЛКО stay for a while 47. от МАЛКО-МАЛКО at least 48. пo-МАЛКО less 49. парите за МАЛКО не ни стигнаха we were just a few levs/pounds etc. short 50. познавам го МАЛКО I know him slightly 51. преди МАЛКО a short/little while ago 52. раждам малки bring forth young 53. след МАЛКО presently, in a moment, in a very few minutes 54. тимът игра с един човек по-МАЛКО the team played a man short 55. той е МАЛКО нещо пи сател he is a bit of a writer 56. ям/пия/пуша МАЛКО eat/drink/smoke little

Български-английски речник > малко

5 nada

adv.

1 at all.

la película no me ha gustado nada I didn't like the film at all

no es nada extraño it's not at all strange

la obra no es nada aburrida the play isn't the slightest bit boring

2 a little, a bit (poco).

no hace nada que salió he left just a minute ago

3 not at all, not a single thing, nothing, not a bit.

4 anything.

intj.

nothing at all.

pron.

1 nothing.

no pasó nada nothing happened

no he leído nada de Lorca I haven't read anything by Lorca

nada me gustaría más que poder ayudarte there's nothing I'd like more than to be able to help you

no hay nada como un buen libro there's nothing (quite) like a good book

nada más nothing else, nothing more

no quiero nada más I don't want anything else

no dijo nada de nada he didn't say anything at all

no es nada it's nothing serious

esto no es nada that's nothing

te he traído un regalito de nada I've brought you a little something

cuesta cinco millones, ¡ahí es nada! it costs five million, a real snip!

casi nada almost nothing

como si nada as if nothing was the matter, as if nothing had happened

de nada don't mention it, you're welcome (respuesta a 'gracias')

dentro de nada any second now

¡nada de eso! absolutely not!

No quiero nada I don't want any.

2 love (en tenis). (peninsular Spanish)

f.

1 nothing, bugger all.

2 little bit, trace, tiny bit, tiny little bit.

pres.indicat.

3^rd person singular (él/ella/ello) present indicative of spanish verb: nadar.

* * *

nada

► pronombre

1 nothing

■ no quiero nada I don't want anything

■ (no hay) nada como... there's nothing like...

■ no hace nada que lo vi por aquí I saw him round here just a minute ago

■ ¿te has hecho daño? --no, no ha sido nada did you hurt yourself? --no, I'm all right thank you

► adverbio

1 (not) at all

■ no me gusta nada I don't like it at all

■ no la veo nada cambiada she hasn't changed at all

► nombre femenino

1 nothingness

\

FRASEOLOGÍA

antes de nada first of all

como si nada just like that

de nada (no hay de qué) don't mention it, think nothing of it, (US you're welcome) 2 (insignificante) insignificant

■ gracias, --de nada thanks, --don't mention it

■ es una tontería de nada it's nothing much

dentro de nada in a moment

nada de eso not at all, nothing of the kind

■ ¿se casa Maribel? --¡nada de eso! is Maribel getting married? --absolutely not!, no way!

■ no quiero llantos ni nada de eso I don't want any crying or anything of that sort

nada más... as soon as..., no sooner...

■ nada más verlo quiso comprarlo as soon as he saw it he wanted to buy it

■ nada más llegar se puso a llover no sooner had we arrived than it started to rain

nada menos que no less than

■ está aquí nada menos que el presidente the president himself is here no less

por nada for no reason at all

por nada del mundo (not) for anything in the world

¡y nada de...! and don't...!

■ ¡y nada de bañarse en el río! and don't go bathing in the river!

* * *
1. noun f.
1) nothingness

2) naught
2. adv.
not at all

- casi nada
- de nada 3. pron.
nothing, anything

* * *

1. PRON

1) (=ninguna cosa) [con el verbo inglés en forma afirmativa] nothing; [con el verbo inglés en forma negativa] anything

no dijo nada en toda la tarde — he said nothing all afternoon, he didn't say anything all afternoon

no encontrarás nada que te guste — you won't find anything you like

no hay nada como un café después de comer — there's nothing like a coffee after your meal, nothing beats a coffee after your meal

-¿qué has comprado? -nada — "what have you bought?" - "nothing"

no entiende nada — he doesn't understand a thing o anything

• nada de, no sabe nada de español — he knows no Spanish at all, he doesn't know any Spanish at all

no tiene nada de particular — there's nothing special about it

-¿qué te cuentas? -nada de particular — "what's new?" - "nothing much" o "not a lot"

no creo que nada de eso te convenga — I don't think that's what you want at all

¡nada de eso! — not a bit of it!

¡nada de marcharse! — forget about leaving!

nada de nada — absolutely nothing, nothing at all

- ¡de eso nada, monada!

- esto y nada, es lo mismo
ahí
2) [en locuciones]

a) [con verbo]

• estuvo en nada que lo perdiesen — they very nearly lost it

• no me falta de nada — I've got everything I need

a la cocina no le falta de nada — the kitchen has everything

• hace nada — just a moment ago

• no se parecen en nada — they're not at all alike

• quedar(se) en nada — to come to nothing

• no reparar en nada — to stop at nothing

• no servir para nada — to be utterly useless

no sirves para nada — you're utterly useless

no sirve de nada que os quejéis — there's no point in you complaining

• no ha sido nada — it's nothing, it doesn't matter

b) [con preposición, adverbio]

• antes de nada, antes de nada tengo que telefonear — before I do anything else I must make a phone call

se fue antes de nada — she left almost at once

• a cada nada — LAm * constantly

• casi nada, no costó casi nada — it cost next to nothing

¡había unas cien mil personas! ¡casi nada! — there were no fewer than a hundred thousand people there!

• como si nada, se lo advertí, pero como si nada — I warned him but it was as if I hadn't spoken

le dijo que estaba despedido y se quedó como si nada — she told him he was fired and he didn't even bat an eyelid

• de nada, -¡gracias! -de nada — "thanks!" - "don't mention it" o "you're welcome"

fue una mentira de nada — it was only a little lie

¡tanto revuelo por un premio de nada! — all that fuss over such a silly little prize!

• dentro de nada — very soon

• nada más, -¿desea algo más? -nada más, gracias — "can I get you anything else?" - "no, that's all thank you"

no dijo nada más — he didn't say anything else, he said nothing else

son las siete nada más — it's only seven o'clock

quiero uno nada más — I only want one

encendió la tele nada más llegar — he turned on the TV as soon as he got in

ocurrió nada más iniciado el partido — it happened just after the beginning of the game

estas flores aparecen nada más terminado el invierno — these flowers come out just after the winter o as soon as the winter is over

nada más que estoy muy cansado — And, Méx it's just that I'm very tired

• (nada más y) nada menos que... — (no more and) no less than...

han ganado nada menos que un coche — they've won a car, no less

entró nada menos que el rey — who should come in but the king!

• ni nada — or anything

es raro que no haya llamado ni nada — it's odd that she hasn't called or anything

no quiere comer ni nada — he won't even eat

pues no es feo ni nada — iró he's not ugly... much!

• para nada — at all

no los mencionó para nada — he never mentioned them at all

-¿te gusta? -para nada — "do you like it?" - "not at all"

• por nada, por nada se echa a llorar — she's always crying over nothing o for no reason at all

no me subiría a un avión por nada del mundo — I wouldn't get on a plane for anything in the world

no por nada le llaman "apestoso" — he's not called "smelly" for nothing

no por nada decidimos comprar — we had good reason to buy

por nada y menos puedes hacerte un vestido — you can make your own dress for next to nothing

¡por nada! — Cono Sur not at all!, don't mention it!

por menos de nada — for two pins

3) [como coletilla]

pues nada, me voy — well, I'm off then

-¿qué pasó? -pues nada, que estuve esperando y no llegó — "what happened?" - "well, I was there waiting and he didn't arrive"

y nada, al final nos fuimos — anyway, in the end we left

4) (Tenis) love

treinta-nada — thirty-love

2.

ADV not at all, by no means

no es nada fácil — it's not at all easy, it's by no means easy

esto no me gusta nada — I don't like this at all

no está nada triste — he isn't sad at all

pues no eres tú nada ambicioso — iró well you're not very ambitious, are you?... much!

3.

SF

la nada — the void

el avión pareció salir de la nada — the aircraft seemed to come from nowhere

* * *
I
pronombre

1)

a) nothing

es mejor que nada — it's better than nothing

de nada sirve que le compres libros — there's no point in buying him books

antes que or de nada — first of all

no hay nada como... — there's nothing like...

no quiere nada — he doesn't want anything

no sirves para nada! — you're useless

no se hizo nada — he wasn't hurt

perdón! - no fue nada — sorry! - that's all right

no es por nada pero... — don't take this the wrong way but...

sin decir nada — without a word

nadie me dio nada — nobody gave me anything

sin nada de azúcar — without any sugar at all

no tiene nada de gracia — it's not at all funny

b) (en locs)

de nada — you're welcome

nada de nada — (fam) not a thing

nada más: no hay nada más there's nothing else; ¿algo más? - nada más anything else? - no, that's it o that's all; nada más fui yo (Méx) I was the only one who went; salí nada más comer I went out right o straight after lunch; sacó (nada más ni) nada menos que el primer puesto she came first no less; nada más que: no se lo dije nada más que a él he's the only one I told; para nada: no me gustó para nada I didn't like it at all; como si nada (fam): me lo dijo como si nada! she told me as if it was nothing; se quedó como si nada she didn't even bat an eyelid; no hay nada que hacerle — (fam) that's all there is to it

2)

a) ( ninguna cosa)

antes de que digas nada — before you say anything

b) ( muy poco)

con or de nada se rompe — it breaks just like that

en nada de tiempo — in no time at all

la compraron por nada — they bought it for next to nothing

llora por nada — she cries at the slightest little thing

dentro de nada — very soon

estar en nada: estuvo en nada que perdiéramos el tren — we very nearly missed the train

c) (fam) ( uso expletivo)

y nada, que al final no lo compró — anyway, in the end she didn't buy it

pues nada, ya veremos qué pasa — well o anyway, we'll see what happens

3) (Esp) ( en tenis) love

quince-nada — fifteen-love
II
adverbio

no está nada preocupado — he isn't at all o the least bit worried

esto no me gusta nada — I don't like this at all o (colloq) one bit
III
femenino

1) (Fil)

la nada — nothing

se creó de la nada — it was created from nothing o from the void

surgió de la nada — it came out of nowhere

2) (Méx, RPl fam) ( pequeña cantidad)

una nada de sal — a tiny pinch of salt

una nada de agua — a tiny drop of water

* * *

= anything, nothing, nil, zero + Nombre, naught, nothingness, nowt, zilch.

Ex. As an inveterate user of the British Museum Library he was able to confirm that 'a library is not worth anything without a catalogue'.

Ex. Nothing happens until the ENTER key is pressed.

Ex. While our vision of our readers is hazy and our interests in them nil, then criticism must be either trivial or irrelevant.

Ex. In recent years special libraries have been faced with a number of important factors, including reduced purchase budgets, zero increases in staffing, and the opportunities offered by automation.

Ex. Was everything she learned for naught? She felt extinguished.

Ex. The emptiness and nothingness associated with writer's block is often described as a kind of death, a place where there is nothing to decide, nothing about which to express an opinion.

Ex. There's a real danger of flying off on a tangent while writing about this as it for once is purely about politics and there's ' nowt' as controversial as that.

Ex. Before you lend cash to Tom, Dick and Harry, be sure you know what you're doing or else your friendship will be worth zilch.

----

* a cambio de nada = for nothing.

* a nadie le importa nada = nobody + gives a damn.

* antes de nada = before long, before + Pronombre + know what + happen, before + Pronombre + know it.

* antes que nada = first of all, before anything else, first off, above all things.

* a propósito de nada = for no specific reason, for no particular reason.

* caer en la nada = fall into + the void, fall into + (empty) space.

* casi nada = next to nothing.

* como si nada = be right as rain, unfazed.

* contar para nada = count + for nothing.

* decir la verdad, toda la verdad y nada más que la verdad = to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

* de la nada = from nowhere, out of nowhere.

* del año de la nada = from the year dot.

* en apenas nada = in no time at all, in next to no time, in no time.

* en casi nada = in no time at all, in next to no time.

* en nada de tiempo = at a moment's notice, in next to no time, in no time at all, in no time.

* esperar sin nada que hacer = kick + Posesivo + heels.

* estar con amigos en la calle pasando el rato sin hacer nada = hang out + on the street.

* estar sin hacer nada = sit + idle, stand + idle.

* hablar sin decir nada = waffle.

* hacer como si nada = play it + cool.

* más que nada = more than anything else.

* nada bonito = unlovely.

* nada claro = unclear, uncleared.

* nada convencido = unimpressed.

* nada convencional = unorthodox.

* ¡nada de eso! = no dice!.

* nada de importancia = nothing in particular.

* nada de nada = zilch.

* nada desdeñable = not inconsiderable.

* nada despreciable = not inconsiderable.

* nada en absoluto = not at all, nothing whatsoever.

* nada en la vida es gratuito = you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.

* nada envidiable = unenviable.

* nada es gratis = nothing comes without a cost.

* nada es gratis en la viña del Señor = there is no such thing as a free lunch, there is no such thing as a free ride.

* nada es mejor que = nothing beats....

* nada + estar + más apartado de la realidad = nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada + estar + más apartado de la verdad = nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada + estar + más lejos de la verdad = nothing + can + be further from the truth, nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada extraordinario = unremarkable.

* nada impresionado = unimpressed.

* nada instintivo = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada intuitivo = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada lógico = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada más = anything else, nothing else.

* nada más y nada menos = as much as + Expresión Numérica.

* nada más y nada menos que = in the order of + Cantidad, nothing less than.

* nada más y nada menos que de/por + Cantidad = to the tune of + Cantidad.

* nada más y nada menos que desde + Expresión Temporal = from as far back as + Expresión Temporal.

* nada más y nada menos que + Número = as many as + Número.

* nada materialista = unworldly.

* nada menos que + Nombre + tan + Adjetivo + como = no less + Adjetivo + Nombre + than.

* nada puede estar más alejado de la realidad = nothing can be further from the truth.

* nada puede estar más apartado de la realidad = nothing can be further from the truth.

* nada sabe mejor que sentirse delgado = nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

* nada se acaba hasta que no se acaba = nothing is done until it's done.

* nada sorprendente = unsurprising.

* nada supera a = nothing beats....

* no andar en nada bueno = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* no conducir a nada = be exercises in + futility.

* no conocer a Alguien de nada = not know + Pronombre + from Adam.

* no conocer a Alguien para nada = not know + Pronombre + from Adam.

* no conseguir nada = achieve + nothing.

* no deber nada = pay + Posesivo + dues.

* no decir nada = keep + quiet.

* no decir nada a nadie = lips + seal.

* no encontrar nada + Adjetivo = find far from + Adjetivo.

* no estar nada + Adjetivo = be anything but + Adjetivo.

* no + haber + nada como = there + be + nothing like.

* no haber nada de verdad en = there + be + any/no truth to.

* no + haber + nada malo en = there + be + nothing wrong in/with.

* no hacer nada = vegetate, veg out.

* no hacer nada al respecto = leave + unchecked.

* no hacer nada de particular = do + nothing in particular.

* no hay nada como = nothing beats....

* no hay nada imposible = all bets are off.

* no hay nada mejor que = nothing beats....

* no hay nada oculto = what you see is what you get.

* no importar nada = not give a shit, not give a fuck.

* no parecerse en nada a = be nothing like.

* no perderse nada = be no great loss.

* no querer saber más nada de = drop + Nombre + like a hot potato, drop + Nombre + like a hot brick.

* no querer saber nada de = want + nothing to do with.

* no querer tener nada que ver con = want + nothing to do with.

* no revelar nada a nadie = lips + seal.

* no ser nada = add up to + nothing.

* no ser nada fácil = be hard-pushed to.

* no servir de nada = be of no avail, be to no avail.

* no servir de nada que + Subjuntivo = no use + Ving.

* no servir para nada = be good for nothing, pissing into the wind, be of no avail, be to no avail, all + be for + naught.

* no significar nada = add up to + nothing.

* no suponer nada = add up to + nothing.

* no tener nada en contra de Algo = have + nothing against, have + no quarrel about + Nombre.

* no tener nada que perder = have + nothing to lose.

* no tener nada que ver con = be irrelevant to.

* no tener tiempo de nada = have + not a moment to spare.

* o nada en absoluto = if at all.

* para nada = in vain, to no avail, without any avail, vainly, of no avail.

* para que no falte de nada = for good measure.

* persona que nunca se deshace de anda = hoarder, packrat, magpie.

* por nada = for nothing.

* por nada del mundo = for the life of me.

* por nada o casi nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por no decir nada de = to say nothing of.

* por poco o nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por probar nada se pierde = nothing ventured, nothing gained.

* primero que nada = first off.

* que no conduce a nada = circuitous.

* quien nada arriesga nada gana = nothing ventured, nothing gained.

* reducir a la nada = reduce to + nil.

* saber un poco de todo y mucho de nada = jack of all trades, master of none.

* sentarse sin hacer nada = sit + idle.

* ser nada más y nada menos que = be nothing less than.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* servir para nada = count + for nothing.

* sin decir nada = dumbly.

* sin dejar nada fuera = the works!.

* sin nada de gracia = unfunny.

* sin nada que destacar = uneventful.

* sin poder hacer nada = helplessly.

* trabajar a cambio de nada = work for + nothing.

* una cosa no + tener + nada que ver con la otra = one thing + have + nothing to do with the other.

* y antes de nada = the next thing + Pronombre + know.

* * *
I
pronombre

1)

a) nothing

es mejor que nada — it's better than nothing

de nada sirve que le compres libros — there's no point in buying him books

antes que or de nada — first of all

no hay nada como... — there's nothing like...

no quiere nada — he doesn't want anything

no sirves para nada! — you're useless

no se hizo nada — he wasn't hurt

perdón! - no fue nada — sorry! - that's all right

no es por nada pero... — don't take this the wrong way but...

sin decir nada — without a word

nadie me dio nada — nobody gave me anything

sin nada de azúcar — without any sugar at all

no tiene nada de gracia — it's not at all funny

b) (en locs)

de nada — you're welcome

nada de nada — (fam) not a thing

nada más: no hay nada más there's nothing else; ¿algo más? - nada más anything else? - no, that's it o that's all; nada más fui yo (Méx) I was the only one who went; salí nada más comer I went out right o straight after lunch; sacó (nada más ni) nada menos que el primer puesto she came first no less; nada más que: no se lo dije nada más que a él he's the only one I told; para nada: no me gustó para nada I didn't like it at all; como si nada (fam): me lo dijo como si nada! she told me as if it was nothing; se quedó como si nada she didn't even bat an eyelid; no hay nada que hacerle — (fam) that's all there is to it

2)

a) ( ninguna cosa)

antes de que digas nada — before you say anything

b) ( muy poco)

con or de nada se rompe — it breaks just like that

en nada de tiempo — in no time at all

la compraron por nada — they bought it for next to nothing

llora por nada — she cries at the slightest little thing

dentro de nada — very soon

estar en nada: estuvo en nada que perdiéramos el tren — we very nearly missed the train

c) (fam) ( uso expletivo)

y nada, que al final no lo compró — anyway, in the end she didn't buy it

pues nada, ya veremos qué pasa — well o anyway, we'll see what happens

3) (Esp) ( en tenis) love

quince-nada — fifteen-love
II
adverbio

no está nada preocupado — he isn't at all o the least bit worried

esto no me gusta nada — I don't like this at all o (colloq) one bit
III
femenino

1) (Fil)

la nada — nothing

se creó de la nada — it was created from nothing o from the void

surgió de la nada — it came out of nowhere

2) (Méx, RPl fam) ( pequeña cantidad)

una nada de sal — a tiny pinch of salt

una nada de agua — a tiny drop of water

* * *

= anything, nothing, nil, zero + Nombre, naught, nothingness, nowt, zilch.

Ex: As an inveterate user of the British Museum Library he was able to confirm that 'a library is not worth anything without a catalogue'.

Ex: Nothing happens until the ENTER key is pressed.

Ex: While our vision of our readers is hazy and our interests in them nil, then criticism must be either trivial or irrelevant.

Ex: In recent years special libraries have been faced with a number of important factors, including reduced purchase budgets, zero increases in staffing, and the opportunities offered by automation.

Ex: Was everything she learned for naught? She felt extinguished.

Ex: The emptiness and nothingness associated with writer's block is often described as a kind of death, a place where there is nothing to decide, nothing about which to express an opinion.

Ex: There's a real danger of flying off on a tangent while writing about this as it for once is purely about politics and there's ' nowt' as controversial as that.

Ex: Before you lend cash to Tom, Dick and Harry, be sure you know what you're doing or else your friendship will be worth zilch.

* a cambio de nada = for nothing.

* a nadie le importa nada = nobody + gives a damn.

* antes de nada = before long, before + Pronombre + know what + happen, before + Pronombre + know it.

* antes que nada = first of all, before anything else, first off, above all things.

* a propósito de nada = for no specific reason, for no particular reason.

* caer en la nada = fall into + the void, fall into + (empty) space.

* casi nada = next to nothing.

* como si nada = be right as rain, unfazed.

* contar para nada = count + for nothing.

* decir la verdad, toda la verdad y nada más que la verdad = to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

* de la nada = from nowhere, out of nowhere.

* del año de la nada = from the year dot.

* en apenas nada = in no time at all, in next to no time, in no time.

* en casi nada = in no time at all, in next to no time.

* en nada de tiempo = at a moment's notice, in next to no time, in no time at all, in no time.

* esperar sin nada que hacer = kick + Posesivo + heels.

* estar con amigos en la calle pasando el rato sin hacer nada = hang out + on the street.

* estar sin hacer nada = sit + idle, stand + idle.

* hablar sin decir nada = waffle.

* hacer como si nada = play it + cool.

* más que nada = more than anything else.

* nada bonito = unlovely.

* nada claro = unclear, uncleared.

* nada convencido = unimpressed.

* nada convencional = unorthodox.

* ¡nada de eso! = no dice!.

* nada de importancia = nothing in particular.

* nada de nada = zilch.

* nada desdeñable = not inconsiderable.

* nada despreciable = not inconsiderable.

* nada en absoluto = not at all, nothing whatsoever.

* nada en la vida es gratuito = you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs.

* nada envidiable = unenviable.

* nada es gratis = nothing comes without a cost.

* nada es gratis en la viña del Señor = there is no such thing as a free lunch, there is no such thing as a free ride.

* nada es mejor que = nothing beats....

* nada + estar + más apartado de la realidad = nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada + estar + más apartado de la verdad = nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada + estar + más lejos de la verdad = nothing + can + be further from the truth, nothing + can + be further from the truth.

* nada extraordinario = unremarkable.

* nada impresionado = unimpressed.

* nada instintivo = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada intuitivo = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada lógico = counter-intuitive [counterintuitive].

* nada más = anything else, nothing else.

* nada más y nada menos = as much as + Expresión Numérica.

* nada más y nada menos que = in the order of + Cantidad, nothing less than.

* nada más y nada menos que de/por + Cantidad = to the tune of + Cantidad.

* nada más y nada menos que desde + Expresión Temporal = from as far back as + Expresión Temporal.

* nada más y nada menos que + Número = as many as + Número.

* nada materialista = unworldly.

* nada menos que + Nombre + tan + Adjetivo + como = no less + Adjetivo + Nombre + than.

* nada puede estar más alejado de la realidad = nothing can be further from the truth.

* nada puede estar más apartado de la realidad = nothing can be further from the truth.

* nada sabe mejor que sentirse delgado = nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

* nada se acaba hasta que no se acaba = nothing is done until it's done.

* nada sorprendente = unsurprising.

* nada supera a = nothing beats....

* no andar en nada bueno = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* no conducir a nada = be exercises in + futility.

* no conocer a Alguien de nada = not know + Pronombre + from Adam.

* no conocer a Alguien para nada = not know + Pronombre + from Adam.

* no conseguir nada = achieve + nothing.

* no deber nada = pay + Posesivo + dues.

* no decir nada = keep + quiet.

* no decir nada a nadie = lips + seal.

* no encontrar nada + Adjetivo = find far from + Adjetivo.

* no estar nada + Adjetivo = be anything but + Adjetivo.

* no + haber + nada como = there + be + nothing like.

* no haber nada de verdad en = there + be + any/no truth to.

* no + haber + nada malo en = there + be + nothing wrong in/with.

* no hacer nada = vegetate, veg out.

* no hacer nada al respecto = leave + unchecked.

* no hacer nada de particular = do + nothing in particular.

* no hay nada como = nothing beats....

* no hay nada imposible = all bets are off.

* no hay nada mejor que = nothing beats....

* no hay nada oculto = what you see is what you get.

* no importar nada = not give a shit, not give a fuck.

* no parecerse en nada a = be nothing like.

* no perderse nada = be no great loss.

* no querer saber más nada de = drop + Nombre + like a hot potato, drop + Nombre + like a hot brick.

* no querer saber nada de = want + nothing to do with.

* no querer tener nada que ver con = want + nothing to do with.

* no revelar nada a nadie = lips + seal.

* no ser nada = add up to + nothing.

* no ser nada fácil = be hard-pushed to.

* no servir de nada = be of no avail, be to no avail.

* no servir de nada que + Subjuntivo = no use + Ving.

* no servir para nada = be good for nothing, pissing into the wind, be of no avail, be to no avail, all + be for + naught.

* no significar nada = add up to + nothing.

* no suponer nada = add up to + nothing.

* no tener nada en contra de Algo = have + nothing against, have + no quarrel about + Nombre.

* no tener nada que perder = have + nothing to lose.

* no tener nada que ver con = be irrelevant to.

* no tener tiempo de nada = have + not a moment to spare.

* o nada en absoluto = if at all.

* para nada = in vain, to no avail, without any avail, vainly, of no avail.

* para que no falte de nada = for good measure.

* persona que nunca se deshace de anda = hoarder, packrat, magpie.

* por nada = for nothing.

* por nada del mundo = for the life of me.

* por nada o casi nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por no decir nada de = to say nothing of.

* por poco o nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por probar nada se pierde = nothing ventured, nothing gained.

* primero que nada = first off.

* que no conduce a nada = circuitous.

* quien nada arriesga nada gana = nothing ventured, nothing gained.

* reducir a la nada = reduce to + nil.

* saber un poco de todo y mucho de nada = jack of all trades, master of none.

* sentarse sin hacer nada = sit + idle.

* ser nada más y nada menos que = be nothing less than.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* servir para nada = count + for nothing.

* sin decir nada = dumbly.

* sin dejar nada fuera = the works!.

* sin nada de gracia = unfunny.

* sin nada que destacar = uneventful.

* sin poder hacer nada = helplessly.

* trabajar a cambio de nada = work for + nothing.

* una cosa no + tener + nada que ver con la otra = one thing + have + nothing to do with the other.

* y antes de nada = the next thing + Pronombre + know.

* * *

nada¹

pronoun

A

1 nothing

es mejor que nada it's better than nothing

de nada sirve que le compres libros si no los lee there's no point in buying him books if he doesn't read them

antes que or de nada first of all

nada te faltará or no te faltará nada you won't want for anything

no hay nada como un buen baño caliente there's nothing like a nice hot bath

hace dos días que no come nada he hasn't eaten a thing o anything for two days

¡no sirves para nada! you're useless

no se hizo nada he wasn't hurt

no sé por qué llora, yo no le hice nada I don't know why he's crying, I didn't touch him

¿te has hecho daño? — no, no ha sido nada did you hurt yourself? — no, it's nothing

¡perdón! — no fue nada sorry! — that's all right

no es por nada pero … don't take this the wrong way but …

se fue sin decir nada she left without a word

nadie me dio nada nobody gave me anything

nada DE algo:

no necesita nada de azúcar it doesn't need any sugar at all

eso no tiene nada de gracia that's not in the least bit o not at all funny

¡nada de juegos or jugar ahora! you're not playing o I don't want any games now!

2 ( en locs):

de nada you're welcome, it's a pleasure, don't mention it ( frml)

nada de nada ( fam); not a thing

nada más: no hay nada más there's nothing else

¿algo más? — nada más anything else? — no, that's it o that's all o that's the lot

no se pudo hacer nada más or más nada por él nothing more could be done for him

nada más fui yo ( Méx); I was the only one who went

no nada más yo lo critico ( Méx); I'm not the only one to criticize him

salí nada más comer I went out right o straight after lunch

sacó (nada más ni) nada menos que el primer puesto she came first no less

nada más llegar subió a verla as soon as he arrived he went up to see her

nada más que: la verdad, toda la verdad y nada más que la verdad the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

no se lo dije nada más que a él he's the only one I told, I didn't tell anyone except him o but him

nada que … ( Andes fam): ya son las diez y nada que vienen it's already ten o'clock and there's still no sign of them

ni nada ( fam): no me avisó ni nada ( fam); he didn't tell me or anything, he didn't even tell me

no es ambicioso ni nada ( iró); he's not at all ambitious or anything like that! ( iro)

para nada not … at all

ese tema no se tocó para nada that topic didn't come up at all

no me gustó para nada I didn't like it at all o one little bit

ahí es nada ( fam iró): hicieron un par de millones, ahí es nada they made a couple of million … peanuts o chickenfeed! ( colloq iro)

como si nada ( fam): ¡me lo dice como si nada! she tells me as casual as you like, and she tells me as if it was nothing

se quedó como si nada she didn't even bat an eyelid

se lo dije mil veces, pero como si nada I told her over and over again, but it didn't do the slightest bit of good

no estás/está en nada ( Ven arg); you're/he's so uncool ( colloq), you don't/he doesn't have a clue ( colloq)

no hay nada que hacerle ( fam); that's all there is to it, there are no two ways about it

B

1

(algo): ¿has visto alguna vez nada igual? have you ever seen the like of it o the likes of it o anything like it?

antes de que digas nada before you say anything

2

(muy poco): con or de nada se rompe it breaks just like that

fue un golpe de nada it was only a little bump

en nada de tiempo in no time at all

compraron la casa por nada they bought the house for next to nothing

dentro de nada very soon, in no time at all

estar en nada: estuvo en nada que perdiéramos el tren we very nearly missed the train

no nos vieron, pero estuvo en nada they didn't see us, but it was a close call o shave

3 ( fam)

(uso expletivo): y nada, que al final no lo compró anyway, in the end she didn't buy it

pues nada, ya veremos qué pasa well o anyway, we'll see what happens

C ( Esp) (en tenis) love

quince-nada fifteen-love

nada²

adverb

[ Grammar notes (Spanish) ]

no está nada preocupado he isn't at all o the least bit worried

anoche no dormí nada I didn't sleep a wink o at all last night

no me gusta nada lo que has hecho I don't like what you've done one bit

no es nada engreído el chico ( iró); he sure is vain!, he isn't half conceited! ( BrE)

nada³

feminine

A ( Fil):

la nada nothing

el universo se creó de la nada the universe was created from nothing o from the void

surgió de la nada it came out of nowhere

B

(Méx, RPl fam) (pequeña cantidad): ¿le diste vino al bebé? — sólo una nada did you give the baby wine? — only a tiny drop

le puse una nada de sal I added a tiny pinch of salt

ganó por una nada he won by a whisker

* * *

Del verbo nadar: ( conjugate nadar)

nada es:

3ª persona singular (él/ella/usted) presente indicativo

2ª persona singular (tú) imperativo

Multiple Entries:
nada
nadar
nada pronombre
1
a) nothing;

◊ es mejor que nada it's better than nothing;

de nada sirve que le compres libros there's no point in buying him books;
antes que or de nada first of all;
no quiere nada he doesn't want anything;
¡no sirves para nada! you're useless;
sin decir nada without a word
b) ( en locs)

◊ de nada you're welcome;

nada de nada (fam) not a thing;
nada más: no hay nada más there's nothing else;
¿algo más? — nada más anything else? — no, that's it o that's all;
nada más fui yo (Méx) I was the only one who went;
salí nada más comer I went out right o straight after lunch;
sacó (nada más ni) nada menos que el primer puesto she came first no less;
para nada: no me gustó para nada I didn't like it at all;
por nada: la compraron por nada they bought it for next to nothing;
discuten por nada they argue over nothing;
llora por nada she cries at the slightest little thing
2 (Esp) ( en tenis) love;
◊ quince-nada fifteen-love

■ adverbio:
◊ no está nada preocupado he isn't at all o the least bit worried;

esto no me gusta nada I don't like this at all o (colloq) one bit
nadar ( conjugate nadar) verbo intransitivo
a) [persona/pez] to swim;

◊ ¿sabes nada? can you swim?;

nada (estilo) mariposa/pecho to do (the) butterfly/breaststroke;
nada de espalda or (Méx) de dorso to do (the) back stroke
b) [ramas/hojas] ( flotar) to float

c)

◊ nadar en ( tener mucho): nada en dinero to be rolling in money (colloq);

el pollo nadaba en grasa the chicken was swimming in grease
verbo transitivo
to swim
nada
I pron
1 (ninguna cosa) nothing: ¿qué te cuentas?, - nada nuevo, how it's going?, - nothing new
(con otro negativo) nothing, not... anything: no hay nada más importante, there is nothing more important
no tocamos nada, we didn't touch anything
no lo cambiaría por nada del mundo, I wouldn't change it for anything on earth
2 (en preguntas) anything: ¿no tienes nada que decir?, don't you have anything to say?
3 (muy poco) con la niebla no veíamos nada, we couldn't see a thing in the fog
no fue nada, (herida, golpe) I wasn't hurt
(respuesta a una disculpa) it's all right
4 (en ciertas construcciones) anything
más que nada, more than anything: me importa más que nada, it means more than anything else to me
sin decir nada, without saying anything/a word
II adverbio not at all: no nos aburrimos nada, we weren't bored at all
no escribe nada mal, he doesn't write at all badly
III sustantivo femenino nothingness
♦ Locuciones: casi nada, almost nothing
gracias, - de nada, thanks, - don't mention it
más que nada: te lo digo más que nada para que no vayas a meter la pata, more than anything else I'm telling you so you don't put your foot in it
nada más: nada más oírlo, as soon as she heard it
familiar para nada, not at all
nadar verbo intransitivo
1 Dep to swim: no sé nadar, I can't swim
2 (un objeto) to float
3 (tener en abundancia) nada en libros, she has a lot of books
' nada' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
absolutamente
- adelantar
- adorno
- amilanarse
- amohinarse
- balde
- bastante
- bregar
- cabo
- callar
- calmarse
- cero
- ciega
- ciego
- clara
- claro
- comecome
- como
- comparecencia
- concreta
- concreto
- conducir
- contra
- dar
- débil
- decir
- derecha
- desocupada
- desocupado
- doblar
- doblarse
- doble
- ecuánime
- embalarse
- envidiar
- escaramuza
- escarceo
- faltar
- frescura
- ir
- gusto
- hablar
- incumbir
- interés
- interlunio
- jota
- jueves
- maldita
- maldito
- más
English:
all
- all right
- amusing
- antsy
- anything
- associate
- avail
- blank
- board
- breathe
- burn
- clash
- clear
- click
- come into
- contrary
- cop
- damn
- dark
- dark horse
- dead
- depth
- dim
- dishwater
- disorderly
- drone
- dwindle
- earth
- earthly
- easy
- enforce
- ever
- excuse
- first
- flair
- further
- go on
- go without
- going
- good
- hand
- hang about
- hang around
- hardly
- harm
- have
- head
- home
- hot
- ill-considered

* * *

nada

♦ pron

1. [ninguna cosa o cantidad] nothing;
[en negativas] anything;
no he leído nada de Lorca I haven't read anything by Lorca;

no pasó nada nothing happened;

a él nada parece satisfacerle he never seems to be satisfied with anything;

de nada vale insistir there's no point in insisting;

nada me gustaría más que poder ayudarte there's nothing I'd like more than to be able to help you;

no hay nada como un buen libro there's nothing (quite) like a good book;

tranquilos, no es nada don't worry, it's nothing serious;

casi nada almost nothing;

de nada, Am [m5] por nada [respuesta a “gracias”] you're welcome, don't mention it;

esto no es nada that's nothing;

no queda nada de café there's no coffee left;

no tengo nada de ganas de ir I don't feel like going at all;

no dijo nada de nada he didn't say anything at all;

no me ha gustado nada de nada I didn't like it at all o one little bit;

nada de quejas, ¿de acuerdo? no complaining, right?, I don't want any complaints, right?;

nada más nothing else, nothing more;

¿desean algo más? – nada más, gracias do you want anything else? – no, that's everything o all, thank you;

no quiero nada más I don't want anything else;

me dio de plazo dos días nada más she only gave me two days to do it;

me ha costado nada más que 20 dólares it only cost me 20 dollars;

¡tanto esfuerzo para nada! all that effort for nothing!

2. [poco, muy poco]
yo apenas sé nada de ese tema I hardly know anything about that subject;

es muy frágil y con nada se parte it's very fragile and is easily broken;

dentro de nada any second now;

lo he visto salir hace nada I saw him leave just a moment ago o just this minute;

no hace nada que salió he left just a moment ago o just this minute;

por nada se enfada she gets angry at the slightest thing, it doesn't take much for her to get angry;
CAm, Col, Ven Fam
a cada nada every five minutes, constantly;
Méx
en nada estuvo que se casara he very nearly got married

3. Esp [en tenis] love;

treinta nada thirty love

4. [expresando negación]
¡nada de eso! absolutely not!;

no pienso ir, ni llamar, ni nada I won't go, or call, or anything;

no tenemos ni coche, ni moto, ni nada que se le parezca we don't have a car or a motorbike, or anything of that sort

5. Comp

¡ahí es nada!, ¡casi nada!: cuesta cinco millones, ¡ahí es nada! o [m5]¡casi nada! it costs a cool five million!;

como si nada as if nothing was the matter, as if nothing had happened;

(nada más y) nada menos que [cosa] no less than;
[persona] none other than; Fam
ni nada: ¡no es alta ni nada la chica! she's tall all right!, you could say she's tall!;

no es por nada: no es por nada pero creo que estás equivocado don't take this the wrong way, but I think you're mistaken;

no es por nada pero llevas la bragueta abierta by the way, your fly's undone

♦ adv

1. [en absoluto] at all;

la película no me ha gustado nada I didn't like the movie at all;

no he dormido nada I didn't get any sleep at all;

no es nada extraño it's not at all strange;

la obra no es nada aburrida the play isn't the slightest bit boring;

no está nada mal it's not at all bad;

no nos llevamos nada bien we don't get on at all well;
Fam
¿te importa que me quede? – ¡para nada! do you mind if I stay? – of course not! o not at all!

2. Fam [enfático]
nada, que no hay manera de convencerle but no, he just refuses to be convinced

♦ nf

1.
la nada nothingness, the void;
[el no ser]
salir o [m5] surgir de la nada to appear out of o from nowhere

2. Méx, RP Fam [muy poco]
le pedí plata y me dio una nada I asked him for some money and he gave me next to nothing;

comí una nada de helado I had a tiny bit of ice cream

♦ de nada loc adj

te he traído un regalito de nada I've brought you a little something;

es sólo un rasguño de nada it's just a little scratch

♦ nada más loc adv

1. [al poco de]
nada más salir de casa… no sooner had I left the house than…, as soon as I left the house…;

nos iremos nada más cenar we'll go as soon as we've had dinner, we'll go straight after dinner

2. Méx [solamente]
nada más vine yo I'm the only one who's come

3. Méx [sin más]
de la fiesta regresaron a casa y nada más they went straight home after the party

* * *

nada

I pron nothing;

no hay nada there isn’t anything;

no es nada it’s nothing;

nada más nothing else;

nada menos que no less than;

nada de nada nothing at all;

para nada not at all;

no lo entiendes para nada you don’t understand at all;

lo dices como si nada you talk about it as if it was nothing;

más que nada more than anything;

no lo haría por nada del mundo I wouldn’t do it if you paid me;

por menos de nada for no reason at all;

nada más llegar as soon as I arrived;

antes de nada first of all;

¡nada de eso! fam you can put that idea out of your head;

¡casi nada! peanuts!;

¡de nada! you’re welcome, not at all;

pues nada, … well, …

II adv not at all;

no ha llovido nada it hasn’t rained;

no estoy nada contento I’m not at all happy

III f nothingness

* * *

nada adv

: not at all, not in the least

no estamos nada cansados: we are not at all tired

nada nf

1) : nothingness

2) : smidgen, bit

una nada le disgusta: the slightest thing upsets him

nada pron

1) : nothing

no estoy haciendo nada: I'm not doing anything

2)

casi nada : next to nothing

3)

de nada : you're welcome

4)

dentro de nada : very soon, in no time

5)

nada más : nothing else, nothing more

* * *

nada¹ adv at all

no le ha gustado nada she didn't like it at all

nada² pron

1. nothing / not... anything

Con el verbo en afirmativo se utiliza nothing

no hay nada, está vacío there's nothing there, it's empty

no tengo nada que hacer I've got nothing to do

Con el verbo en negativo se utiliza anything

dijo que no quería nada she said she didn't want anything

no se me ocurre nada I can't think of anything

2. (en tenis) love

quince nada fifteen love

de nada (como respuesta) you're welcome / don't mention it (sin importancia) little / slight

un retraso de nada a slight delay

nada de no / any

no tengo nada de dinero I've got no money / I haven't got any money

no habla nada de inglés he speaks no English / doesn't speak any English

nada más (eso es todo) that's all (sólo) only / just

era estúpido nada más he was just stupid

nada más... as soon as...

nada más entrar, vi a Fernando I saw Fernando as soon as I went in

Spanish-English dictionary > nada

6 poco

adj.

not much, a small amount of, a small quantity of, little.

adv.

little, not very, not much.

m.

little.

* * *

poco

► adjetivo

1 little (plural) few, not many

■ hago muy poco ejercicio últimamente I do very little exercise these days

■ somos pocos para tanto trabajo there are too few of us for so much work

■ pocas Navidades salimos de viaje we don't often travel at Christmas

► pronombre poco

1 little (en plural) not many

■ lo poco que aprendí se me ha olvidado what little I learned I've forgotten

■ pocos conocen la importancia del descubrimiento not many people realize the importance of the discovery

► adverbio

1 little, not much

■ voy poco por allí I rarely go there, I go there very little

■ bebí muy poco I didn't drink much

► nombre masculino un poco

1 a little, a bit

■ ¿me das un poco? could you give me a little?

■ échale un poco de sal add a bit of salt

■ espera un poco wait a bit

\

FRASEOLOGÍA

a poco de shortly after

dentro de poco soon, presently

hace poco not long ago

pocas veces rarely, not often, seldom

poco a poco slowly, gradually, bit by bit

poco antes shortly before

poco después shortly afterwards

poco después de shortly after

poco más o menos more or less

poco menos que almost, nearly

por poco nearly

por si fuera poco as if that weren't enough, to top it all, on top of everything

————————

poco

► pronombre

1 little (en plural) not many

■ lo poco que aprendí se me ha olvidado what little I learned I've forgotten

■ pocos conocen la importancia del descubrimiento not many people realize the importance of the discovery

► adverbio

1 little, not much

■ voy poco por allí I rarely go there, I go there very little

■ bebí muy poco I didn't drink much

► nombre masculino

* * *
1. adv.
little, few

- poco a poco
- por poco 2. (f. - poca)
pron.

little, few
3. (f. - poca)
adj.

little, few, not much

* * *

1. ADJ

1) [en singular] little, not much

tenemos poco tiempo — we have little time, we don't have much time

hay muy poco queso — there's very little cheese, there's hardly any cheese

de poco interés — of little interest

con poco respeto — with little respect, with scant respect

el provecho es poco — the gain is small, there isn't much to gain

• poca cosa, no te preocupes por tan poca cosa — don't worry about such a little thing

poca cosa se podría haber hecho — there wasn't much we could have done

comemos, jugamos a cartas, leemos y poca cosa más — we eat, play cards, read and do little else o and that's about it

es poca cosa — (=no mucho) it's not much; (=no importante) it's nothing much

somos tan poca cosa — we're so insignificant

es muy guapa pero poca cosa — she's very pretty, but there isn't much to her

• y por si fuera poco — and as if that weren't enough, and to cap it all

2) [en plural] few, not many

pocos niños saben que... — few o not many children know that...

tiene pocos amigos — he has few friends, he hasn't got many friends

pocos días después — a few days later

compré unos pocos libros — I bought a few books

me quedan pocas probabilidades — I don't have much chance

todas las medidas son pocas — no measure will be enough

2. PRON

1) [en singular]

a) (=poca cosa)

la reforma servirá para poco — the reform won't do much good o won't be much use

una hora da para poco — you can't get much done in an hour

con lo poco que me quedaba — with what little I had left

ya sabes lo poco que me interesa — you know how little it interests me

b)

• un poco — a bit, a little

-¿tienes frío? -un poco — "are you cold?" - "a bit o a little"

he bebido un poco, pero no estoy borracho — I've had a bit to drink, but I'm not drunk

voy a dormir un poco — I am going to have a little sleep

le conocía un poco — I knew him a bit o slightly

necesito descansar un poco — I need to rest for a while

espera un poco — wait a minute o moment

estoy un poco triste — I am rather o a little sad

es un poco lo que yo comentaba — that's more or less what I was saying

• un poco como, es un poco como su padre — he's rather o a bit like his father

lo hice un poco como protesta — I did it partly as a protest

• un poco de, un poco de dinero — a little money

dame un poco de vino — can I have some wine?

¡un poco de silencio! — let's have some quiet here!

c) [referido a tiempo] not long

tardaron poco en hacerlo — it didn't take them long to do it, they didn't take long to do it

lleva poco trabajando aquí — he hasn't been working here long

• a poco de — shortly after

a poco de haberlo firmado — shortly after signing it

• cada poco — every so often

• dentro de poco — shortly, soon

• poco después — shortly after

• hace poco — not long ago

fuimos a verla hace poco — we visited her not long ago, we visited her quite recently

tu hermana ha llamado hace poco — your sister called a short while ago

la conozco desde hace poco — I haven't known her long, I've only known her for a short while

hasta hace poco — until recently

2) [en plural] few

pocos son los que... — there are few who...

ya somos pocos los que nos sentimos así — there are now very few of us who feel this way

pocos de entre ellos — few of them

como hay pocos —

es tonto como hay pocos — he's as stupid as they come

3. ADV

1) [con verbos] not much, little

cuesta poco — it doesn't cost much, it costs very little

habla poco — he doesn't say much

ahora trabaja poco — he doesn't work much now

vamos poco a Madrid — we don't go to Madrid much, we hardly ever go to Madrid

lo estiman poco — they hardly value it at all, they value it very little

2) [con adjetivos: se traduce a menudo por medio de un prefijo]

poco dispuesto a ayudar — disinclined to help

poco amable — unkind

poco probable — unlikely

poco inteligente — unintelligent, not very intelligent

sus libros son poco conocidos aquí — his books are not very well known here

3) [otras locuciones]

poco a poco — little by little

¡poco a poco! — steady on!, easy does it!

a poco Méx —
*
¿a poco? — never!, you don't say!

¡a poco no! — not much! *

¿a poco no? — (well) isn't it?

¿a poco crees que...? — do you really imagine that...?

• de a poco — LAm gradually

• tener en poco, tiene en poco a su jefe — she doesn't think much of her boss

tiene la vida en poco — he doesn't value his life

• poco más o menos — more or less

• por poco — almost, nearly

por poco me ahogo — I almost o nearly drowned

• a poco que, a poco que pueda — if at all possible

a poco que corras, lo alcanzas — if you run now you'll catch it

* * *
I
adverbio

es muy poco agradecido — he is very ungrateful

un autor muy poco conocido — a very little-known author

me resultó poco interesante — I didn't find it very interesting

habla poco — he doesn't say much o a lot

viene muy poco por aquí — he hardly ever comes around

... con lo poco que le gusta el arroz —... and he doesn't even like rice; para locs ver poco III 4)
II
- ca adjetivo ( con sustantivos no numerables) little; ( en plural) few

muy poco vino — very little wine

muy pocos niños — very few children

qué poco sentido común tienes! — you don't have much common sense, do you?

tengo muy poca ropa — I have very few clothes

éramos demasiado pocos — there were too few of us

fue asombroso, todo lo que te pueda decir es poco — it was amazing, I can't (even) begin to tell you

todo le parece poco — she is never satisfied
III
- ca pronombre

1) (poca cantidad, poca cosa)

le serví sopa pero comió poca — I gave her some soup but she didn't eat much

por poco que gane... — no matter how little o however little she earns...

se conforma con poco — he's easily satisfied

poco faltó para que me pegara — he nearly hit me

lo poco que gana se lo gasta en vino — he spends the little o what little he earns on wine

compra más lentejas, nos quedan muy pocas — buy some more lentils, we've hardly any left

es un profesor como pocos — there aren't many teachers like him

pocos pueden permitirse ese lujo — not many people can afford to do that

2) poco ( refiriéndose a tiempo)

lo vi hace poco — I saw him recently o not long ago

hace muy poco que lo conoce — she hasn't known him for very long

tardó poco en hacerlo — it didn't take him long to do it

falta poco para las navidades — it's not long till Christmas

a poco de venir él — soon o shortly after he came

dentro de poco — soon

poco antes de que... — a short while o shortly before...

3) un poco

a) ( refiriéndose a cantidades) a little; ( refiriéndose a tiempo) a while

espera un poquito — wait a little while

todavía le duele un poco — it still hurts him a little o a bit

es un poco lo que está pasando en Japón — it's rather like what's happening in Japan

un poco porque me dio lástima — partly because I felt sorry for him

b)

un poco de: un poco de pimienta/vino a little (bit of) pepper/wine; come un poco de jamón — have a bit of ham

c)

un poco + adj/adv: un poco caro/tarde — a bit o a little expensive/late

4) (en locs)

a poco — (Méx)

¿a poco no lees los periódicos? — don't you read the newspapers?

a poco no está fabuloso Acapulco! — isn't Acapulco just fantastic!

a poco ganaron! — don't tell me they won!

de a poco — (AmL) gradually

agrégale la leche de a poquito — add the milk gradually o a little at a time

de a poquito se lo fue comiendo — little by little she ate it all up

en poco: en poco estuvo que no viniéramos we almost didn't come; tienen en poco la vida ajena they set little value on other people's lives; me tienes bien en poco si crees que... you can't think very highly o much of me if you think...; poco a poco gradually; poco más o menos approximately, roughly; poco menos que nearly; poco menos que la mata (fam) he almost killed her; poco menos que los echan a patadas (fam) they practically kicked them out; por poco — nearly

* * *

= little [less -comp., least -sup.], low [lower -comp., lowest -sup.], scant, trifle, tad, little in the way of.

Ex. Explanatory references give a little more explanation as to why the link between two names is being made in the catalogue or index.

Ex. Carlton Duncan discussed the difficulties built into the educational processes which led to under-performance at school and the resulting low representation in higher education and low entry into the professions.

Ex. Scant attention is paid to evaluation and the needs of users.

Ex. She had been a trifle nervous until it was formally announced that the position was hers.

Ex. Williams is one of those rare poets who satisfies the yearning that many of us have for the memorable phrase we wish we had said were our perceptions a tad keener.

Ex. Without any significant restructuring, the LIS programme in Iran will provide little in the way of riding out the rapid transition that the field is currently experiencing.

----

* abultar poco = be skimpy.

* acercarse poco a poco (a) = edge (toward(s)).

* actuar con poca consideración hacia = play + fast and loose with.

* agua poco profunda = shallow water.

* aguas poco profundas = shallows.

* alimentos poco saludables = unhealthy foods.

* a poca distancia = not far behind.

* a poca distancia andando = within walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a poca distancia a pie = within an easy walk, within walking distance.

* a pocos minutos andando = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a pocos minutos a pie = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* avanzar poco a poco (hacia) = edge (toward(s)).

* cada pocos años = every few years.

* comida poco saludable = unhealthy foods.

* comportamiento poco cívico = uncivic behaviour.

* con muchos huesos y poca carne = bony [bonier -comp., boniest -sup.].

* con muy poca antelación = at (a) very short notice.

* con muy poca anticipación = at (a) very short notice.

* con muy poca frecuencia = all too seldom.

* con muy pocas excepciones = with few exceptions.

* con muy pocos medios = on a shoestring (budget).

* con poca claridad = indistinctly.

* con poca exactitud = loosely.

* con poca experiencia = inexperienced.

* con poca iluminación = dimly illuminated.

* con poca imaginación = unimaginatively.

* con poca naturalidad = stiltedly.

* con poca población = thinly populated.

* con pocas habilidades = poor-ability.

* con poca visión de futuro = short-sighted [shortsighted].

* con poco dinero = on the cheap.

* con poco entusiasmo = half-heartedly.

* con pocos recursos = under-resourced.

* con pocos recursos económicos = low-budget.

* consumir poco a poco = eat away at.

* con tan poca antelación = at such short notice.

* con tan poca anticipación = at such short notice.

* correr poco a poco = eat away at.

* cuestiones poco claras = grey area [gray area].

* de forma poco ética = unethically.

* de forma poco imaginativa = unimaginatively.

* de forma poco profesional = unprofessionally.

= petty criminal.

Ex. When the security services carry out acts of terror, they employ patsies who often are petty criminals or people who are mentally backward or mentally unstable.

----

* de manera poco ética = unethically.

* de manera poco profesional = unprofessionally.

* demasiado poco común = all too rare.

* de modo poco imaginativo = unimaginatively.

* dentro de poco = before long.

* de población poco densa = sparsely populated.

* de poca importancia = menial, small-time.

* de poca monta = hack, small-time.

* de pocas luces = dim [dimmer -comp., dimmest -sup.], dim-witted [dimwitted].

* de poco impacto = low impact [low-impact].

* de poco peso = pat, feeble.

* de poco provecho = fruitless.

* de poco uso = low-use.

* de poco valor = a dime a dozen.

* desaparecer poco a poco = fade into + the sunset.

* de todo un poco = about this and that and everything else, about this and that.

* de un modo poco constructivo = unconstructively.

* de un modo poco económico = wastefully.

* de un modo poco natural = unnaturally.

* donde cabe mucho también cabe poco = what holds a lot will hold a little.

* durar poco = be short term.

* echar poco a poco = dribble.

* el que mucho abarca poco aprieta = jack of all trades, master of none.

* en el caso poco probable de que = in the unlikely case (that).

* en muy poco tiempo = before long.

* en pocas palabras = simply put, in brief, to say the least, to put it (quite) simply, in short, to cut a long story short, bottom line, the, put simply, to make a long story short, the short story + be, simply stated.

* en poco tiempo = before very long, in quite a short time, in a short time, in a short span of time.

* en unos pocos años = within a few years.

* estar poco dispuesto = be reluctant.

* estar poco representado = underrepresent [under-represent].

* estar un poco anticuado = be some years old.

* excusa poco convincente = lame excuse.

* faltar poco (para) = have + a short way to go (before).

* faltar un poco = be some way off.

* gente de poca importancia = small fry, the.

* haber poca duda de que = there + be + little doubt that.

* hace muy poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hace poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hacer poca distinción entre... y... = make + little distinction between... and....

* hacer poco = do + little.

* hacer que sea poco probable = render + unlikely.

* hace unos pocos años = a few years ago.

* hace unos pocos días = a few days ago.

* hasta hace muy poco = until recently, up until recently.

* hasta hace relativamente poco tiempo = until relatively recently.

* horas de poca actividad = slack hours.

* horas de poco movimiento = slack hours.

* introducirse poco a poco = ease + Reflexivo + in.

* ir poco más allá de + Infinitivo = go little further than + Gerundio.

* llegar poco a poco = dribble in.

* lo poco común = rarity, rareness.

* mucho ruido para pocas nueces = much ado about nothing.

* mucho ruido y pocas nueces = storm in a teacup, Posesivo + bark is worse than + Posesivo + bite.

* muchos jefes y pocos trabajadores = too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

* muy poco = minimally.

* ofrecer poco = low-ball.

* operación de poca monta = one-room, one-person operation.

* pagando un poco más = at additional cost.

* parece tener poco sentido que = there + seem + little point in.

* pasar poco a poco = slide into.

* período de poca actividad = slack time.

* perro ladrador, poco mordedor = barking dogs seldom bite, Posesivo + bark is worse than + Posesivo + bite.

* poca cantidad = trickle.

* poca cosa = small fry, the.

* poca iluminación = poor lighting.

* poca importancia = unimportance, low profile.

* poca notoriedad = low profile.

* poca probabilidad = slim chance.

* poca severidad = lenience, leniency.

* pocas expectativas = low expectation.

* poca utilidad = unhelpfulness.

* poco abundante = light [lighter -comp., lightest -sup.].

* poco accesible = unapproachable.

* poco acertado = clumsy [clumsier -comp., clumsiest -sup.], injudicious.

* poco acogedor = inhospitable.

* poco aconsejable = unwise, inadvisable.

* poco adecuado = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco + Adjetivo = slightly + Adjetivo, less than + Adjetivo.

* poco afortunado = unhappy, ill-favoured [ill-favored, -USA].

* poco agraciado = ill-favoured [ill-favored, -USA].

* poco amable = off-putting, surly [surlier -comp., surliest -sup.], crusty [crustier -comp., crustiest -sup.], unkind.

* poco americano = un-American.

* poco amistoso = off-putting, unfriendly.

* poco antes de + Fecha = shortly before + Fecha.

* poco a poco = gradually, piecemeal, slowly, incrementally, at a snail's pace, little by little, bit by bit.

* poco apreciado = unappreciated.

* poco apropiado = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco apto = inapt.

* poco arriesgado = low-risk.

* poco asequible = unapproachable.

* poco atractivo = off-putting, unattractive, unglamorous, uninviting, unappealing.

* poco atrevido = unadventurous.

* poco audaz = unadventurous.

* poco aventurero = unadventurous.

* poco cabelleroso = ungentlemanlike.

* poco cálido = lukewarm.

* poco científico = hit-or-miss, unscientific.

* poco cívico = uncivic.

* poco claro = confusing, fuzzy [fuzzier - comp., fuzziest -sup.], indistinct, obscure, unclear, untidy, hazy, inconclusive, slurred, clouded, blurry [blurrier -comp., blurriest -sup.], undistinguished, uncleared, indistinctive, bleary [blearier -comp., bleariest -sup.].

* poco colaborador = unresponsive.

* poco comercial = uncommercial.

* poco competitivo = uncompetitive.

* poco complicado = uncomplicated, uncomplicatedly.

* poco comprensivo = unsympathetic.

* poco común = rare, unfamiliar, unusual, uncommon, unordinary, out of the ordinary.

* poco comunicativo = uncommunicative, reserved.

* poco confortable = uncomfortable.

* poco conocido = obscure, little known.

* poco convencido = unconvinced.

* poco convencional = unconventional.

* poco convincente = unconvincing, inconclusive, pat, feeble.

* poco convincentemente = unconvincingly.

* poco correcto = ungentlemanlike.

* poco cortés = impolite, ungentlemanlike.

* poco culto = unenlightened.

* poco decidido = half-hearted [halfhearted].

* poco definido = blurry [blurrier -comp., blurriest -sup.], bleary [blearier -comp., bleariest -sup.].

* poco denso = rarefied.

* poco deportivo = unsportsmanlike.

* poco después = soon afterwards, shortly afterwards, shortly after, not long after.

* poco después de = soon after (that), shortly after.

* poco después de que = shortly after.

* poco diestro = poor-ability.

* poco diplomático = indiscreet.

* poco dispuesto = disinclined.

* poco dispuesto a colaborar = uncooperative.

* poco ducho en las nuevas tecnologías = technologically challenged.

* poco económico = uneconomical.

* poco efectivo = ineffectual.

* poco eficaz = non-efficient.

* poco elegante = inelegant, awkward, dowdy [dowdier -comp., dowdiest -sup.].

* poco embarazoso = unembarrassing.

* poco entusiasta = half-hearted [halfhearted], lukewarm.

* poco envidiable = unenviable.

* poco estable = unsettled.

* poco estético = unaesthetic.

* poco estimulador = unchallenging.

* poco estimulante = unexciting, uninspiring, unmoving.

* poco estricto = lax.

* poco ético = unethical.

* poco evidente = unnoticed, unnoted.

* poco exigente = untaxing, undemanding.

* poco favorable = unpromising.

* poco favorecedor = unflattering.

* poco fiable = unreliable, undependable, flaky [flakey].

* poco firme = tenuous, rocky [rockier -comp., rockiest -sup.].

* poco flexible = monolithic, inelastic.

* poco frecuente = infrequent.

* poco fructífero = unfruitful.

* poco gratificante = unrewarding, unsatisfying.

* poco grato = unwelcome.

* poco hábil = poor-ability.

* poco habitual = unaccustomed.

* poco halagador = unflattering.

* poco halagüeño = unflattering.

* poco hospitalario = inhospitable.

* poco idóneo = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco iluminado = dimly illuminated.

* poco imaginativo = unimaginative.

* poco importante = menial, small-time.

* poco impresionado = unimpressed.

* poco informativo = uninformative.

* poco intelectual = lowbrow [low-brow].

* poco inteligente = unintelligent.

* poco intenso = light [lighter -comp., lightest -sup.].

* poco interesante = dull, jackdaw, uninteresting, uninspiring, unremarkable.

* poco juicioso = injudicious.

* poco justificado = ill-justified.

* poco listo = underprepared.

* poco maduro = underripe.

* poco más = little else.

* poco materialista = unworldly.

* poco memorable = forgettable.

* poco mundano = unwordly.

* poco natural = unnatural, stilted.

* poco nítido = untidy.

* poco normal = unnatural, unordinary, out of the ordinary.

* poco novedoso = trite.

* poco original = unoriginal.

* poco ortodoxo = unorthodox.

* poco poblado = thinly populated.

* poco práctico = impractical, awkward.

* poco preparado = underprepared.

* poco probable = unlikely, far-fetched [farfetched].

* poco productivo = unproductive.

* poco profesional = amateurish, unprofessional.

* poco profundo = shallow [shallower -comp., shallowest -sup.].

* poco prometedor = bleak, unpromising.

* poco propicio = unpromising, unpromising.

* poco provechoso = fruitless, unrewarding.

* poco prudente = ill-advised, ill-judged.

* poco pulido = unpolished.

* poco razonable = unreasonable.

* poco realista = unrealistic, unreal, unwordly, way out in left field, airy-fairy.

* poco recomendable = inadvisable.

* poco refinado = unrefined, unpolished.

* poco rentable = uneconomical.

* poco representativo = unrepresentative.

* poco romántico = unromantic.

* poco sabido = little known.

* poco saludable = unwholesome, insalubrious.

* poco sano = unwholesome, insalubrious.

* poco seguro = dicey [dicier -comp., diciest -sup.].

* poco sensato = ill-advised, injudicious, ill-judged.

* poco sentimental = unsentimental.

* poco serio = flippant.

* poco sincero = insincere.

* poco sistemático = sloppy [sloppier -comp., sloppiest -sup.].

* poco social = unsocial.

* poco sofisticado = elementary, unsophisticated, corn-fed.

* poco sólido = insubstantial.

* poco tiempo = short while, short time.

* poco tiempo después = shortly afterwards.

* poco tradicional = untraditional.

* poco unido = loosely knit.

* poco uniforme = patchy [patchier -comp., patchiest -sup.].

* poco usado = little-used.

* poco usual = unusual.

* poco útil = clumsy [clumsier -comp., clumsiest -sup.], unhelpful.

* poquito a poco = little by little.

* por mencionar sólo unos pocos = to name but a few.

* por mencionar uno pocos = just to name a few.

* por nombrar sólo unos pocos = to name but a few.

* por nombrar unos pocos = to name a few.

* por poco dinero = cheaply.

* por poco o nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por si era poco = for good measure.

* por si fuera poco = to boot, for good measure, to add insult to injury, to add salt to injury, to rub salt in the wound.

* prestar poca atención a = give + little thought to.

* pretexto poco convincente = lame excuse.

* quedar poco (para) = have + a short way to go (before).

* quedar un poco = be some way off.

* quedar un poco perjudicado = be a little worse prepared, be a little worse off.

* que ocupa poco espacio = space-saving.

* qué poco común = how odd.

* quien mucho abarca poco aprieta = bite off more than + Pronombre + can chew.

* reducirse poco a poco = dribble off.

* resultar poco fructífero = prove + unfruitful.

* roer poco a poco = eat away at.

* saber un poco de todo y mucho de nada = jack of all trades, master of none.

* sacar poco a poco = tease out.

* salir un poco perjudicado = be a little worse prepared, be a little worse off.

* sangre poco espesa = thin blood.

* ser algo muy poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco común = be the exception rather than the rule.

* ser algo poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser de poco valor = be of little use, be of little value.

* ser muy poco probable = be remote.

* ser poco = be under-provided.

* ser poco agradecido = be thankless.

* ser poco eficaz = do + little.

* ser poco reconocido = be thankless.

* ser pocos = be few in number, be small in number.

* ser un hecho poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser un hecho poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* servir de poco = be of little use.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* solución poco real = pie in the sky solution.

* tener poca información = be information poor.

* tener pocas luces = as thick as a brick, as thick as two (short) planks, as daft as a brush, knucklehead.

* tener pocas posibilidades de = have + little recourse.

* tener poco que ver = have + little to do.

* tener poco valor = be of little value.

* trabajo de poca monta = odd-job.

* un hombre de pocas palabras = a man of few words.

* unos pocos elegidos = a select few.

* un poco = a bit, somewhat, slightly, something of, a little bit, kinda [kind of].

* un poco áspero = roughish.

* un poco como = kind of like.

* un poco de = a measure of, a touch (of), a bit of, a piece of, a spot of, a splash of, a hint of.

* un poco + Nombre = a shade + Nombre.

* un poco obscuro = dusky.

* un poco perdido = a bit at sea.

* un poco rugoso = roughish.

* usado con poca frecuencia = seldom used [seldom-used].

* usuario que hace poco uso del préstamo = light borrower.

* utilizar poco = underutilise/under-utilise [underutilize/under-utilize, -USA].

* vivienda poco digna = poor housing.

* y poco más = and little more.

* * *
I
adverbio

es muy poco agradecido — he is very ungrateful

un autor muy poco conocido — a very little-known author

me resultó poco interesante — I didn't find it very interesting

habla poco — he doesn't say much o a lot

viene muy poco por aquí — he hardly ever comes around

... con lo poco que le gusta el arroz —... and he doesn't even like rice; para locs ver poco III 4)
II
- ca adjetivo ( con sustantivos no numerables) little; ( en plural) few

muy poco vino — very little wine

muy pocos niños — very few children

qué poco sentido común tienes! — you don't have much common sense, do you?

tengo muy poca ropa — I have very few clothes

éramos demasiado pocos — there were too few of us

fue asombroso, todo lo que te pueda decir es poco — it was amazing, I can't (even) begin to tell you

todo le parece poco — she is never satisfied
III
- ca pronombre

1) (poca cantidad, poca cosa)

le serví sopa pero comió poca — I gave her some soup but she didn't eat much

por poco que gane... — no matter how little o however little she earns...

se conforma con poco — he's easily satisfied

poco faltó para que me pegara — he nearly hit me

lo poco que gana se lo gasta en vino — he spends the little o what little he earns on wine

compra más lentejas, nos quedan muy pocas — buy some more lentils, we've hardly any left

es un profesor como pocos — there aren't many teachers like him

pocos pueden permitirse ese lujo — not many people can afford to do that

2) poco ( refiriéndose a tiempo)

lo vi hace poco — I saw him recently o not long ago

hace muy poco que lo conoce — she hasn't known him for very long

tardó poco en hacerlo — it didn't take him long to do it

falta poco para las navidades — it's not long till Christmas

a poco de venir él — soon o shortly after he came

dentro de poco — soon

poco antes de que... — a short while o shortly before...

3) un poco

a) ( refiriéndose a cantidades) a little; ( refiriéndose a tiempo) a while

espera un poquito — wait a little while

todavía le duele un poco — it still hurts him a little o a bit

es un poco lo que está pasando en Japón — it's rather like what's happening in Japan

un poco porque me dio lástima — partly because I felt sorry for him

b)

un poco de: un poco de pimienta/vino a little (bit of) pepper/wine; come un poco de jamón — have a bit of ham

c)

un poco + adj/adv: un poco caro/tarde — a bit o a little expensive/late

4) (en locs)

a poco — (Méx)

¿a poco no lees los periódicos? — don't you read the newspapers?

a poco no está fabuloso Acapulco! — isn't Acapulco just fantastic!

a poco ganaron! — don't tell me they won!

de a poco — (AmL) gradually

agrégale la leche de a poquito — add the milk gradually o a little at a time

de a poquito se lo fue comiendo — little by little she ate it all up

en poco: en poco estuvo que no viniéramos we almost didn't come; tienen en poco la vida ajena they set little value on other people's lives; me tienes bien en poco si crees que... you can't think very highly o much of me if you think...; poco a poco gradually; poco más o menos approximately, roughly; poco menos que nearly; poco menos que la mata (fam) he almost killed her; poco menos que los echan a patadas (fam) they practically kicked them out; por poco — nearly

* * *

= little [less -comp., least -sup.], low [lower -comp., lowest -sup.], scant, trifle, tad, little in the way of.

Ex: Explanatory references give a little more explanation as to why the link between two names is being made in the catalogue or index.

Ex: Carlton Duncan discussed the difficulties built into the educational processes which led to under-performance at school and the resulting low representation in higher education and low entry into the professions.

Ex: Scant attention is paid to evaluation and the needs of users.

Ex: She had been a trifle nervous until it was formally announced that the position was hers.

Ex: Williams is one of those rare poets who satisfies the yearning that many of us have for the memorable phrase we wish we had said were our perceptions a tad keener.

Ex: Without any significant restructuring, the LIS programme in Iran will provide little in the way of riding out the rapid transition that the field is currently experiencing.

* abultar poco = be skimpy.

* acercarse poco a poco (a) = edge (toward(s)).

* actuar con poca consideración hacia = play + fast and loose with.

* agua poco profunda = shallow water.

* aguas poco profundas = shallows.

* alimentos poco saludables = unhealthy foods.

* a poca distancia = not far behind.

* a poca distancia andando = within walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a poca distancia a pie = within an easy walk, within walking distance.

* a pocos minutos andando = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a pocos minutos a pie = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* avanzar poco a poco (hacia) = edge (toward(s)).

* cada pocos años = every few years.

* comida poco saludable = unhealthy foods.

* comportamiento poco cívico = uncivic behaviour.

* con muchos huesos y poca carne = bony [bonier -comp., boniest -sup.].

* con muy poca antelación = at (a) very short notice.

* con muy poca anticipación = at (a) very short notice.

* con muy poca frecuencia = all too seldom.

* con muy pocas excepciones = with few exceptions.

* con muy pocos medios = on a shoestring (budget).

* con poca claridad = indistinctly.

* con poca exactitud = loosely.

* con poca experiencia = inexperienced.

* con poca iluminación = dimly illuminated.

* con poca imaginación = unimaginatively.

* con poca naturalidad = stiltedly.

* con poca población = thinly populated.

* con pocas habilidades = poor-ability.

* con poca visión de futuro = short-sighted [shortsighted].

* con poco dinero = on the cheap.

* con poco entusiasmo = half-heartedly.

* con pocos recursos = under-resourced.

* con pocos recursos económicos = low-budget.

* consumir poco a poco = eat away at.

* con tan poca antelación = at such short notice.

* con tan poca anticipación = at such short notice.

* correr poco a poco = eat away at.

* cuestiones poco claras = grey area [gray area].

* de forma poco ética = unethically.

* de forma poco imaginativa = unimaginatively.

* de forma poco profesional = unprofessionally.

= petty criminal.

Ex: When the security services carry out acts of terror, they employ patsies who often are petty criminals or people who are mentally backward or mentally unstable.

* de manera poco ética = unethically.

* de manera poco profesional = unprofessionally.

* demasiado poco común = all too rare.

* de modo poco imaginativo = unimaginatively.

* dentro de poco = before long.

* de población poco densa = sparsely populated.

* de poca importancia = menial, small-time.

* de poca monta = hack, small-time.

* de pocas luces = dim [dimmer -comp., dimmest -sup.], dim-witted [dimwitted].

* de poco impacto = low impact [low-impact].

* de poco peso = pat, feeble.

* de poco provecho = fruitless.

* de poco uso = low-use.

* de poco valor = a dime a dozen.

* desaparecer poco a poco = fade into + the sunset.

* de todo un poco = about this and that and everything else, about this and that.

* de un modo poco constructivo = unconstructively.

* de un modo poco económico = wastefully.

* de un modo poco natural = unnaturally.

* donde cabe mucho también cabe poco = what holds a lot will hold a little.

* durar poco = be short term.

* echar poco a poco = dribble.

* el que mucho abarca poco aprieta = jack of all trades, master of none.

* en el caso poco probable de que = in the unlikely case (that).

* en muy poco tiempo = before long.

* en pocas palabras = simply put, in brief, to say the least, to put it (quite) simply, in short, to cut a long story short, bottom line, the, put simply, to make a long story short, the short story + be, simply stated.

* en poco tiempo = before very long, in quite a short time, in a short time, in a short span of time.

* en unos pocos años = within a few years.

* estar poco dispuesto = be reluctant.

* estar poco representado = underrepresent [under-represent].

* estar un poco anticuado = be some years old.

* excusa poco convincente = lame excuse.

* faltar poco (para) = have + a short way to go (before).

* faltar un poco = be some way off.

* gente de poca importancia = small fry, the.

* haber poca duda de que = there + be + little doubt that.

* hace muy poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hace poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hacer poca distinción entre... y... = make + little distinction between... and....

* hacer poco = do + little.

* hacer que sea poco probable = render + unlikely.

* hace unos pocos años = a few years ago.

* hace unos pocos días = a few days ago.

* hasta hace muy poco = until recently, up until recently.

* hasta hace relativamente poco tiempo = until relatively recently.

* horas de poca actividad = slack hours.

* horas de poco movimiento = slack hours.

* introducirse poco a poco = ease + Reflexivo + in.

* ir poco más allá de + Infinitivo = go little further than + Gerundio.

* llegar poco a poco = dribble in.

* lo poco común = rarity, rareness.

* mucho ruido para pocas nueces = much ado about nothing.

* mucho ruido y pocas nueces = storm in a teacup, Posesivo + bark is worse than + Posesivo + bite.

* muchos jefes y pocos trabajadores = too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

* muy poco = minimally.

* ofrecer poco = low-ball.

* operación de poca monta = one-room, one-person operation.

* pagando un poco más = at additional cost.

* parece tener poco sentido que = there + seem + little point in.

* pasar poco a poco = slide into.

* período de poca actividad = slack time.

* perro ladrador, poco mordedor = barking dogs seldom bite, Posesivo + bark is worse than + Posesivo + bite.

* poca cantidad = trickle.

* poca cosa = small fry, the.

* poca iluminación = poor lighting.

* poca importancia = unimportance, low profile.

* poca notoriedad = low profile.

* poca probabilidad = slim chance.

* poca severidad = lenience, leniency.

* pocas expectativas = low expectation.

* poca utilidad = unhelpfulness.

* poco abundante = light [lighter -comp., lightest -sup.].

* poco accesible = unapproachable.

* poco acertado = clumsy [clumsier -comp., clumsiest -sup.], injudicious.

* poco acogedor = inhospitable.

* poco aconsejable = unwise, inadvisable.

* poco adecuado = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco + Adjetivo = slightly + Adjetivo, less than + Adjetivo.

* poco afortunado = unhappy, ill-favoured [ill-favored, -USA].

* poco agraciado = ill-favoured [ill-favored, -USA].

* poco amable = off-putting, surly [surlier -comp., surliest -sup.], crusty [crustier -comp., crustiest -sup.], unkind.

* poco americano = un-American.

* poco amistoso = off-putting, unfriendly.

* poco antes de + Fecha = shortly before + Fecha.

* poco a poco = gradually, piecemeal, slowly, incrementally, at a snail's pace, little by little, bit by bit.

* poco apreciado = unappreciated.

* poco apropiado = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco apto = inapt.

* poco arriesgado = low-risk.

* poco asequible = unapproachable.

* poco atractivo = off-putting, unattractive, unglamorous, uninviting, unappealing.

* poco atrevido = unadventurous.

* poco audaz = unadventurous.

* poco aventurero = unadventurous.

* poco cabelleroso = ungentlemanlike.

* poco cálido = lukewarm.

* poco científico = hit-or-miss, unscientific.

* poco cívico = uncivic.

* poco claro = confusing, fuzzy [fuzzier - comp., fuzziest -sup.], indistinct, obscure, unclear, untidy, hazy, inconclusive, slurred, clouded, blurry [blurrier -comp., blurriest -sup.], undistinguished, uncleared, indistinctive, bleary [blearier -comp., bleariest -sup.].

* poco colaborador = unresponsive.

* poco comercial = uncommercial.

* poco competitivo = uncompetitive.

* poco complicado = uncomplicated, uncomplicatedly.

* poco comprensivo = unsympathetic.

* poco común = rare, unfamiliar, unusual, uncommon, unordinary, out of the ordinary.

* poco comunicativo = uncommunicative, reserved.

* poco confortable = uncomfortable.

* poco conocido = obscure, little known.

* poco convencido = unconvinced.

* poco convencional = unconventional.

* poco convincente = unconvincing, inconclusive, pat, feeble.

* poco convincentemente = unconvincingly.

* poco correcto = ungentlemanlike.

* poco cortés = impolite, ungentlemanlike.

* poco culto = unenlightened.

* poco decidido = half-hearted [halfhearted].

* poco definido = blurry [blurrier -comp., blurriest -sup.], bleary [blearier -comp., bleariest -sup.].

* poco denso = rarefied.

* poco deportivo = unsportsmanlike.

* poco después = soon afterwards, shortly afterwards, shortly after, not long after.

* poco después de = soon after (that), shortly after.

* poco después de que = shortly after.

* poco diestro = poor-ability.

* poco diplomático = indiscreet.

* poco dispuesto = disinclined.

* poco dispuesto a colaborar = uncooperative.

* poco ducho en las nuevas tecnologías = technologically challenged.

* poco económico = uneconomical.

* poco efectivo = ineffectual.

* poco eficaz = non-efficient.

* poco elegante = inelegant, awkward, dowdy [dowdier -comp., dowdiest -sup.].

* poco embarazoso = unembarrassing.

* poco entusiasta = half-hearted [halfhearted], lukewarm.

* poco envidiable = unenviable.

* poco estable = unsettled.

* poco estético = unaesthetic.

* poco estimulador = unchallenging.

* poco estimulante = unexciting, uninspiring, unmoving.

* poco estricto = lax.

* poco ético = unethical.

* poco evidente = unnoticed, unnoted.

* poco exigente = untaxing, undemanding.

* poco favorable = unpromising.

* poco favorecedor = unflattering.

* poco fiable = unreliable, undependable, flaky [flakey].

* poco firme = tenuous, rocky [rockier -comp., rockiest -sup.].

* poco flexible = monolithic, inelastic.

* poco frecuente = infrequent.

* poco fructífero = unfruitful.

* poco gratificante = unrewarding, unsatisfying.

* poco grato = unwelcome.

* poco hábil = poor-ability.

* poco habitual = unaccustomed.

* poco halagador = unflattering.

* poco halagüeño = unflattering.

* poco hospitalario = inhospitable.

* poco idóneo = unsuited, unsuitable, inapt.

* poco iluminado = dimly illuminated.

* poco imaginativo = unimaginative.

* poco importante = menial, small-time.

* poco impresionado = unimpressed.

* poco informativo = uninformative.

* poco intelectual = lowbrow [low-brow].

* poco inteligente = unintelligent.

* poco intenso = light [lighter -comp., lightest -sup.].

* poco interesante = dull, jackdaw, uninteresting, uninspiring, unremarkable.

* poco juicioso = injudicious.

* poco justificado = ill-justified.

* poco listo = underprepared.

* poco maduro = underripe.

* poco más = little else.

* poco materialista = unworldly.

* poco memorable = forgettable.

* poco mundano = unwordly.

* poco natural = unnatural, stilted.

* poco nítido = untidy.

* poco normal = unnatural, unordinary, out of the ordinary.

* poco novedoso = trite.

* poco original = unoriginal.

* poco ortodoxo = unorthodox.

* poco poblado = thinly populated.

* poco práctico = impractical, awkward.

* poco preparado = underprepared.

* poco probable = unlikely, far-fetched [farfetched].

* poco productivo = unproductive.

* poco profesional = amateurish, unprofessional.

* poco profundo = shallow [shallower -comp., shallowest -sup.].

* poco prometedor = bleak, unpromising.

* poco propicio = unpromising, unpromising.

* poco provechoso = fruitless, unrewarding.

* poco prudente = ill-advised, ill-judged.

* poco pulido = unpolished.

* poco razonable = unreasonable.

* poco realista = unrealistic, unreal, unwordly, way out in left field, airy-fairy.

* poco recomendable = inadvisable.

* poco refinado = unrefined, unpolished.

* poco rentable = uneconomical.

* poco representativo = unrepresentative.

* poco romántico = unromantic.

* poco sabido = little known.

* poco saludable = unwholesome, insalubrious.

* poco sano = unwholesome, insalubrious.

* poco seguro = dicey [dicier -comp., diciest -sup.].

* poco sensato = ill-advised, injudicious, ill-judged.

* poco sentimental = unsentimental.

* poco serio = flippant.

* poco sincero = insincere.

* poco sistemático = sloppy [sloppier -comp., sloppiest -sup.].

* poco social = unsocial.

* poco sofisticado = elementary, unsophisticated, corn-fed.

* poco sólido = insubstantial.

* poco tiempo = short while, short time.

* poco tiempo después = shortly afterwards.

* poco tradicional = untraditional.

* poco unido = loosely knit.

* poco uniforme = patchy [patchier -comp., patchiest -sup.].

* poco usado = little-used.

* poco usual = unusual.

* poco útil = clumsy [clumsier -comp., clumsiest -sup.], unhelpful.

* poquito a poco = little by little.

* por mencionar sólo unos pocos = to name but a few.

* por mencionar uno pocos = just to name a few.

* por nombrar sólo unos pocos = to name but a few.

* por nombrar unos pocos = to name a few.

* por poco dinero = cheaply.

* por poco o nada = at little or no extra cost.

* por si era poco = for good measure.

* por si fuera poco = to boot, for good measure, to add insult to injury, to add salt to injury, to rub salt in the wound.

* prestar poca atención a = give + little thought to.

* pretexto poco convincente = lame excuse.

* quedar poco (para) = have + a short way to go (before).

* quedar un poco = be some way off.

* quedar un poco perjudicado = be a little worse prepared, be a little worse off.

* que ocupa poco espacio = space-saving.

* qué poco común = how odd.

* quien mucho abarca poco aprieta = bite off more than + Pronombre + can chew.

* reducirse poco a poco = dribble off.

* resultar poco fructífero = prove + unfruitful.

* roer poco a poco = eat away at.

* saber un poco de todo y mucho de nada = jack of all trades, master of none.

* sacar poco a poco = tease out.

* salir un poco perjudicado = be a little worse prepared, be a little worse off.

* sangre poco espesa = thin blood.

* ser algo muy poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco común = be the exception rather than the rule.

* ser algo poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser de poco valor = be of little use, be of little value.

* ser muy poco probable = be remote.

* ser poco = be under-provided.

* ser poco agradecido = be thankless.

* ser poco eficaz = do + little.

* ser poco reconocido = be thankless.

* ser pocos = be few in number, be small in number.

* ser un hecho poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser un hecho poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* servir de poco = be of little use.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* solución poco real = pie in the sky solution.

* tener poca información = be information poor.

* tener pocas luces = as thick as a brick, as thick as two (short) planks, as daft as a brush, knucklehead.

* tener pocas posibilidades de = have + little recourse.

* tener poco que ver = have + little to do.

* tener poco valor = be of little value.

* trabajo de poca monta = odd-job.

* un hombre de pocas palabras = a man of few words.

* unos pocos elegidos = a select few.

* un poco = a bit, somewhat, slightly, something of, a little bit, kinda [kind of].

* un poco áspero = roughish.

* un poco como = kind of like.

* un poco de = a measure of, a touch (of), a bit of, a piece of, a spot of, a splash of, a hint of.

* un poco + Nombre = a shade + Nombre.

* un poco obscuro = dusky.

* un poco perdido = a bit at sea.

* un poco rugoso = roughish.

* usado con poca frecuencia = seldom used [seldom-used].

* usuario que hace poco uso del préstamo = light borrower.

* utilizar poco = underutilise/under-utilise [underutilize/under-utilize, -USA].

* vivienda poco digna = poor housing.

* y poco más = and little more.

* * *

poco¹

adverb

[ Grammar notes (Spanish) ]

es muy poco agradecido he is very ungrateful, he isn't at all grateful

es un autor muy poco conocido he is a very little-known author

me resultó poco interesante I didn't find it very interesting, I found it rather uninteresting

habla poco he doesn't say much o a lot

duerme poquísimo she sleeps very little, she doesn't sleep very much

viene muy poco por aquí he hardly ever comes around

poco y nada me ayudaron they hardly helped me at all

… con lo poco que le gusta el arroz … and he doesn't even like rice

para locs ver poco³ pron D. (↑ poco (3))

poco² -ca

adjective

[ Grammar notes (Spanish) ] (con sustantivos no numerables) little; (en plural) few

muy poco vino very little wine

muy pocos niños very few children

hemos tenido muy poca suerte we've been very unlucky, we've had very little luck

¡qué poco sentido común tienes! you don't have much common sense, do you?

tengo muy poca ropa I have hardly any clothes, I have very few clothes

a poca gente se le presenta esa oportunidad not many people get that opportunity

hay muy pocas mujeres en el gremio there are very few women in the trade

éramos demasiado pocos there were too few of us, there weren't enough of us

fue asombroso, todo lo que te pueda decir es poco it was amazing, I can't begin to tell you

a esta mujer todo le parece poco this woman is never satisfied

me he olvidado del poco francés/de las pocas palabras que sabía I've forgotten the little French/the few words I knew

le dio unos pocos pesos she gave him a few pesos

poco³ -ca

pronoun

[ Grammar notes (Spanish) ]

A

(poca cantidad, poca cosa): le serví sopa pero comió poca I gave her some soup but she only ate a little o she didn't eat much

sírvele poco, desayunó muy tarde don't give him (too) much, he had a late breakfast

por poco que gane, siempre es otro sueldo no matter how little o however little she earns o even if she doesn't earn much, it's still another salary coming in

se conforma con poco he's easily satisfied

poco faltó para que me pegara he nearly hit me

poco y nada saqué en limpio de lo que dijo what he said made little or no sense to me

lo poco que gana se lo gasta en vino he spends the little o what little he earns on wine

compra más lentejas, nos quedan muy pocas buy some more lentils, we've hardly any left o we have very few left

es un profesor como pocos there aren't many teachers like him

pocos pueden permitirse ese lujo not many people can afford to do that

B

poco (refiriéndose a tiempo): lo vi hace poco I saw him recently o not long ago

hace muy poco que lo conoce she hasn't known him for very long, she's only known him a little while

tardó poco en pintar la cocina it didn't take him long to paint the kitchen

falta poco para las navidades it's not long till Christmas, Christmas isn't far off

a poco de terminar el bombardeo soon o shortly after the bombing stopped

dentro de poco sale otro tren there'll be another train soon o shortly

poco antes de que ella se fuera a short while o shortly before she left

C

un poco

1 (refiriéndose a cantidades) a little; (refiriéndose a tiempo) a while

¿te sirvo un poco? would you like a little o some?

descansemos un poco let's rest for a while, let's have a little rest

espera un poquito wait a little while

todavía le duele un poquitín or poquitito it still hurts him a little

2

un poco de: ponle un poco de pimienta/vino add a little (bit of) pepper/wine

tiene un poco de fiebre he has a slight fever, he has a bit of a temperature o a slight temperature ( BrE)

come un poco de jamón have a bit of o some o a little ham

3

un poco (hasta cierto punto): es un poco lo que está pasando en Japón it's rather like what's happening in Japan

un poco porque me dio lástima partly because I felt sorry for him

4 un poco + ADJ/ADV:

un poco caro/tarde a bit o a little expensive/late

me queda un poco corto it's a bit short o a little short o slightly too short (for me)

habla un poco más fuerte speak up a bit o a little

D ( en locs):

a poco ( Méx): ¿a poco no lees los periódicos? don't you read the newspapers?

¡a poco no está fabuloso Acapulco! isn't Acapulco just fantastic!

¡a poco ganaron! don't tell me they won!

nos sacamos el gordo de la lotería — ¡a poco ! we won the big lottery prize — you didn't!

de a poco ( AmL); gradually

agrégale la leche de a poquito add the milk gradually o a little at a time

de a poquito se lo fue comiendo little by little o slowly she ate it all up

en poco: en poco estuvo que nos ganaran they came very close to beating us, they very nearly beat us

en poco estuvo que no viniéramos we almost didn't come

tienen en poco la vida ajena they set little value on other people's lives

me tienes bien en poco si me crees capaz de eso you can't think very highly o much of me if you think I could do such a thing

poco a poco or ( Méx) a poquito gradually

poco a poco la fueron arreglando they gradually fixed it up, they fixed it up little by little

poco más o menos approximately, roughly

habrán gastado unos dos millones, poco más o menos they must have spent in the neighborhood o ( BrE) region of two million

poco menos que nearly

es poco menos que imposible it's well-nigh o almost o very nearly impossible

le pegó una paliza que poco menos que la mata ( fam); he gave her such a beating he almost o nearly killed her

poco menos que los echan a patadas ( fam); they practically kicked them out

por poco nearly

por poco nos descubren we were nearly found out

* * *

poco 1 adverbio:
◊ habla poco he doesn't say much o a lot;

es muy poco agradecido he is very ungrateful;
un autor muy poco conocido a very little-known author;
viene muy poco por aquí he hardly ever comes around;
para locs ver poco 2 4
poco 2 -ca adjetivo ( con sustantivos no numerables) little;

( en plural) few;
◊ muy poco vino very little wine;

muy pocos niños very few children;
había poquísimos coches there were hardly any cars
■ pronombre
1 (poca cantidad, poca cosa):
◊ había poco que hacer there was little to do;

por poco que gane … no matter how little o however little she earns …;
se conforma con poco he's easily satisfied;
todo le parece poco she is never satisfied;
pocos quisieron ayudar few were willing to help;
pocos pueden permitirse ese lujo not many people can afford to do that
2
◊ poco ( refiriéndose a tiempo): lo vi hace poco I saw him recently o not long ago;

hace muy poco que lo conoce she hasn't known him for very long;
tardó poco en hacerlo it didn't take him long to do it;
falta poco para las navidades it's not long till Christmas;
a poco de venir él soon o shortly after he came;
dentro de poco soon;
poco antes de que … a short while o shortly before …
3
◊ un poco

a) ( refiriéndose a cantidades) a little;

( refiriéndose a tiempo) a while;
◊ dame un poco I'll have some o a little;

espera un poco wait a while
b)

◊ un poco de a little, a bit of

c) un poco + adj/adv:

◊ un poco caro/tarde a bit o a little expensive/late

4 ( en locs)
◊ a poco (Méx): ¡a poco no está fabuloso Acapulco! isn't Acapulco just fantastic!;

¡a poco ganaron! don't tell me they won!;
de a poco (AmL) gradually, little by little;
poco a poco gradually;
poco más o menos approximately, roughly;
por poco nearly
poco,-a
I adjetivo
1 (con el sustantivo en singular) not much, little: tengo poco apetito, I haven't got much appetite
2 (con el sustantivo en plural) not many, few: conozco pocos lugares de Italia, I don't know many places in Italy
II pron (singular) little, not much
(plural) (objetos) few, not many
(personas) few people, not many people ➣ Ver nota en few
III adverbio
1 (con verbo) not (very) much, little: entiendo poco del tema, I don't understand much about the issue
2 (con adjetivo) not very: está poco claro, it's not very clear
3 (de tiempo) hace poco que nos conocemos, we met a short time ago
IV sustantivo masculino
1 (acompañado de adjetivo o adverbio) lo noté un poco molesto, I thought he was a bit annoyed
tendré que hacerlo un poco después, I'll have to do it a little later
2 (acompañando a un sustantivo) dame un poco de agua, give me a little water ➣ Ver nota en little
♦ Locuciones: a poco de, shortly after
dentro de poco, soon
poco a poco, little by little, gradually
poco antes/después, shortly before/afterwards
por poco, almost
' poco' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
abreviar
- aclimatarse
- adelgazar
- aguantar
- ahora
- alcornoque
- alentador
- alentadora
- algo
- antes
- apercibirse
- bagatela
- baja
- bajo
- brusca
- brusco
- bruta
- bruto
- buscar
- calentar
- cargada
- cargado
- cascada
- cascado
- cerebral
- chapucera
- chapucero
- chispa
- clara
- claro
- común
- cruda
- crudo
- cualquiera
- de
- dentro
- descuidada
- descuidado
- descuidarse
- desigual
- desmoronada
- desmoronado
- despatarrarse
- despistada
- despistado
- despreciable
- después
- desvaído
- disipar
- dudosa
English:
accomplice
- add to
- adjust
- aerial
- after
- afterwards
- along
- aloof
- amateurish
- balding
- bark
- belly
- bit
- black
- blind
- blow up
- boot
- by
- can
- careless
- chat
- comedown
- confusing
- cowboy
- degree
- derivative
- desultory
- disagreement
- disingenuous
- diving
- do
- dodgy
- doubtful
- dowdy
- earthy
- easy-going
- edge
- effect
- element
- evasion
- exist
- expect
- fall apart
- far-fetched
- fine
- flippant
- forge
- furnish
- fuzzy
- gradually

* * *

poco, -a

♦ adj
(singular) little, not much; (plural) few, not many;
de poca importancia of little importance;

poca agua not much water;

pocas personas lo saben few o not many people know it;

hay pocos árboles there aren't many trees;

tenemos poco tiempo we don't have much time;

hace poco tiempo not long ago;

dame unos pocos días give me a few days;

esto ocurre pocas veces this rarely happens, this doesn't happen often;

tengo pocas ganas de ir I don't really o much feel like going;

poca sal me parece que le estás echando I don't think you're putting enough salt in, I think you're putting too little salt in;

con lo poco que le gusta la ópera, y la han invitado a La Traviata it's ironic, considering how she dislikes opera, that they should have invited her to see La Traviata

♦ pron

1. [escasa cantidad] (singular) little, not much;

* * *

poco

I adj sg little, not much; pl few, not many;

un poco de a little;

unos pocos a few

II adv little;

trabaja poco he doesn’t work much;

ahora se ve muy poco it’s seldom seen now;

estuvo poco por aquí he wasn’t around much;

poco conocido little known;

poco a poco little by little;

dentro de poco soon, shortly;

hace poco a short time ago, not long ago;

desde hace poco (for) a short while;

por poco nearly, almost;

¡a poco no lo hacemos! Méx don’t tell me we’re not doing it;

de a poco me fui tranquilizando Rpl little by little I calmed down;

por si fuera poco as if that weren’t o wasn’t enough

III m

:

un poco a little, a bit

* * *

poco adv

1) : little, not much

poco probable: not very likely

come poco: he doesn't eat much

2) : a short time, a while

tardaremos poco: we won't be very long

3)

poco antes : shortly before

4)

poco después : shortly after

poco, -ca adj

1) : little, not much, (a) few

tengo poco dinero: I don't have much money

en no pocas ocasiones: on more than a few occasions

poca gente: few people

2)

pocas veces : rarely

poco, -ca pron

1) : little, few

le falta poco para terminar: he's almost finished

uno de los pocos que quedan: one of the remaining few

2)

un poco : a little, a bit

un poco de vino: a little wine

un poco extraño: a bit strange

3)

a poco Mex (used to express disbelief)

¿a poco no se te hizo difícil?: you mean you didn't find it difficult?

4)

de a poco : little by little

5)

hace poco : not long ago

6)

poco a poco : little by little

7)

dentro de poco : shortly, in a little while

8)

por poco : nearly, almost

* * *

poco¹ adj

1. (singular) not much

hay poco café there's not much coffee

has comido poco arroz you haven't eaten much rice

2. (plural) few / not many

tiene pocos amigos he has few friends / he hasn't got many friends

muy poco very little

hay muy poco té there's very little tea

poco² adv

1. (con verbos) not much

trabaja poco he doesn't work much

2. (no mucho tiempo) not long

estuve con él hace poco I was with him not long ago

llegó poco después she arrived not long after

3. (con adjetivos) not very

es poco simpática she's not very friendly

poco a poco little by little

por poco nearly

por poco se cae he nearly fell

por poco pierdo el tren I nearly missed the train

poco³ n a little / a bit

un poco de pan a bit of bread

un poco de agua a little water

tengo de sobra, toma un poco I've got plenty, take a little

poco⁴ pron

1. (singular) not much

compra café, que queda muy poco buy some coffee, there's not much left

2. (plural) few / not many

¿cuántos vinieron? pocos how many came? not many

Spanish-English dictionary > poco

7 poco

(pl -chi) 1. adj little

con nomi plurali few

2. adv not much

con aggettivi not very, not greatly

senti un po'! just listen!

a poco a poco little by little, gradually

poco fa a little while ago

fra poco in a little while, soon

poco dopo a little while later, soon after

per poco cheap

( quasi) almost, nearly

* * *

poco agg.indef.

1 ( con riferimento alla quantità) little, not much: bevo poco vino, I don't drink much wine; c'è poca luce qui, there isn't much light here; ci è rimasto poco pane, we haven't got much bread left; ha poca pazienza con i bambini, he hasn't got much (o he has little) patience with children; quello che guadagna è troppo poco per coprire le spese, he doesn't earn enough to cover his expenses

2 ( con riferimento all'intensità) little, not much: ha dato poca importanza alla cosa, he gave little importance to the matter; il lavoro mi dà poca soddisfazione, my work doesn't give me much satisfaction; accettare con poco entusiasmo un invito, to accept an invitation without much enthusiasm; prestai poca attenzione alle sue parole, I didn't pay much attention to what he said // ci è voluto non poco coraggio, it took a lot of courage // avere poca stima di qlcu., to have a low opinion (o not to think much) of s.o. // c'è poco sole, it isn't very sunny; c'era poca nebbia, it wasn't very foggy // ho poca memoria, I've got a poor memory; l'iniziativa ha avuto poco successo, it wasn't a very successful initiative (o the initiative didn't meet with much success)

3 ( con riferimento alla durata) little, short: mi assenterò per poco tempo, I'll be away for a short time; in poco tempo ha fatto molti progressi, he made a lot of progress in a very short time; poco tempo prima, dopo, a short time before, after; è accaduto poco tempo fa, it happened a short time ago (o not long ago) // Usato anche in espressioni ellittiche: poco fa, poc'anzi, a short time ago; di lì a poco, shortly after (o after a while o a little later); fra poco, very soon (o in a little while); a fra poco, see you soon; è poco che l'ho visto, I saw him a short time ago (o it isn't long since I last saw him); manca poco a Natale, it isn't long to Christmas; mi manca poco per finire, I haven't got much more to do (o I've nearly finished); ci fermeremo solo per poco, we'll only stay for a short time (o we shan't stay long) // da poco, ( poco fa) a short time ago, (riferito al pass.) a short time before, ( tempo continuato) for a short time: è uscito da poco, he's (only) just gone out; quando telefonai, erano da poco partiti, when I phoned, they had not long left (o they had only just left)

4 ( con riferimento all'estensione nello spazio): c'è poca distanza dall'albergo alla spiaggia, it isn't far from the hotel to the beach; avevamo fatto poca strada quando cominciò a piovere, we hadn't gone far when it began to rain

5 ( scarso, esiguo) scant, little: sono quadri di poco valore, they are paintings of little (o scant) value; trattare qlcu. con poco riguardo, to treat s.o. with scant (o little) respect // con poca spesa, for a small outlay (o without spending much) // a poco prezzo, at (o for) a low price, cheap // è poca cosa, it's nothing (o it's a drop in the ocean)

6 pl. few, not many; ( alcuni) a few: ho fatto pochi errori nella prova di matematica, I didn't make many mistakes in the maths test; fra pochi minuti, in a few minutes; c'erano poche persone in giro, there weren't many people about (o there were few people about); inviterò i miei genitori e pochi amici, I'll invite my parents and a few friends // mi sono rimasti solo pochi spiccioli, I haven't got much money left // molto pochi, very few; troppo pochi, too few.

poco pron.indef.

1 (very) little, not much: ''Hai del formaggio?'' ''Sì, ma ne ho poco'', ''Have you got any cheese?'' ''Yes, but not much''; ieri avevo del tempo libero, ma oggi ne ho molto poco, I had some spare time yesterday, but I've got very little (o but I haven't got much) today; (ne) capisco poco di matematica, I understand very little about mathematics; resta ben poco da fare, there's (very) little (o there isn't much) left to be done; abbiamo speso poco in quell'albergo, we didn't spend much (o we spent very little) at that hotel; un milione mi pare ( troppo) poco, a million seems too little to me; ci vuole poco per capire che è tutta una truffa, it doesn't take much to understand it's all a swindle // c'è poco da fare, da dire, there's little (o nothing) to be done, to be said; c'è poco da ridere, da scherzare, there's little (o nothing) to laugh about, to joke about // dire che ha torto è poco, it's not enough to say he's wrong // a dir poco, to say the least: saranno state a dir poco centomila persone, there must have been a hundred thousand people there, to say the least // e ti pare poco?, do you think that's nothing? // il che non è poco, which is something // per poco che sia, è sempre qualcosa, however little it is, it's still something // non te la prendere per così poco, don't let such a little (o small) thing upset you // ci voleva così poco a farmi una telefonata, it wouldn't have hurt you to give me a ring; ci vuole così poco ad accontentarlo, it takes so little to please him (o to make him happy) // una cosa da poco, a mere trifle; una moneta da poco, a small coin; è un uomo da poco, he's not up to much // per poco, ( a buon mercato) cheap: l'ho comprato per poco, I got it cheap // per poco non, ( quasi) nearly: per poco non cadevo in acqua, I (very) nearly fell in the water; ci mancò poco che non fosse squalificato, he was (very) nearly disqualified

2 pl. (very) few, not many; ( poche persone) few people; ( alcuni) a few; ( alcune persone) a few people: ''Hai molti amici?'' ''No, ne ho ( assai) pochi'', ''Have you many friends?'' ''No, very few''; pochi di noi, di loro ecc., few of us, them etc.; era conosciuto da pochi, not many people knew him (o he was little known); siamo rimasti in pochi, there were few of us left; c'eravamo noi due e pochi altri, there were the two of us and a few others

3 un poco, un po', a little, some; (con s. pl.) a few, some: un poco di pane, a little (o some) bread; c'erano un bel po' di persone, there were quite a few people there; un altro poco, some (o a little) more; costa un poco di più, it costs (o is) a little more // che po' po' di mascalzone!, what a scoundrel!; che po' po' di sfacciataggine!, what cheek!; con quel po' po' di soldi che ha!, with all the money he has! // In espressioni di tempo: un po' ( di tempo), a short time; un bel po' ( di tempo), quite a while (o quite a long time); un altro po' ( di tempo), a little (o a bit) longer; un po' ( di tempo) prima, dopo, fa, a short time before, later, ago // da un po' ( di tempo), some time ago, (riferito al pass.) some time before, ( tempo continuato), for some time: è da un po' che non lo vedo, I haven't seen him for some time; lo spettacolo era già finito da un po', the show had finished some time before

◆ s.m.

1 little: mi contento del poco, it takes little to please me (o I'm easily satisfied); il poco che ho è tuo, the (o what) little I have is yours; farò quel poco che posso, I'll do what (o the) little I can // il poco è meglio del niente, (prov.) half a loaf is better than no bread

2 (anche f.) un, una poco di buono, (fam.) a bad lot; sono dei poco di buono, they're no good (o they're a bad lot).

poco avv.

1 (con agg. e avv. di grado positivo e con p. pres. e talvolta pp. usato come agg.) not very: poco intelligente, not very bright; poco entusiasmante, not very exciting; poco conosciuto, not very well-known; poco costoso, unexpensive; poco letto, little read; sto poco bene, I'm not very well; una zona poco abitata, a sparsely populated area; un prodotto poco richiesto, a product in small demand

2 (con agg. e avv. compar.) not much; little; ( di tempo) not long: è poco più alto di me, he's not much taller than me; è poco più che un ragazzo, he's little more than a boy; era poco più che ventenne, he was little more than twenty; si sposarono poco più tardi, they got married not long after

3 ( con verbi) little: il suo aiuto fu poco apprezzato, his help was little appreciated; studia molto poco, he studies very little; ci vede poco, he can't see very well; il primato fu superato di poco, the record was only just beaten // me ne importa poco, I don't care much; poco importa se..., it doesn't matter if... // per poco che si rifletta..., you only have to think a bit... // poco o nulla, little or nothing // né punto né poco, not at all // a poco a poco, little by little (o gradually) // press'a poco → pressappoco

4 un poco, un po', a bit: è un po' strano, it's a bit (o rather) strange // fa un po' ridere, (fam.) it makes you laugh // s'è parlato un po' di questo e un po' di quello, we spoke about this and that // un po' per..., un po' per..., what with... and: un po' per il rumore, un po' per il caldo si sentiva frastornato, what with the noise and the heat, he felt quite dizzy // senti un po', look!; vediamo un po', let's see; ma guarda un po'!, just look what's happened!; guarda un po' che cosa hai combinato!, now look what you've done!; dimmi un po' tu se non ho ragione, tell me if I'm not right (o if I'm wrong).

* * *
['pɔko] poco -a, -chi, -che
1. avv

1) (piccola quantità) little, negazione + much

si accontenta di poco — he's easily satisfied

c'è poco da ridere — there's nothing to laugh about

guadagna poco — he doesn't earn much, he earns little

dorme troppo poco — she doesn't get enough sleep

2) (con aggettivo, avverbio) (a) little, negazione + very

sta poco bene — he's not very well

è poco più alta di lui — she's a little o slightly taller than him

è poco probabile — it's not very likely

è poco socievole — he's not very sociable

3)

(tempo) poco dopo — shortly after(wards)

il film dura poco — the film doesn't last long

poco fa — a short while o time ago

fra poco — in a little while

manca poco alla fine — it's almost o nearly finished, it's more or less finished

poco prima — shortly before

ci vediamo poco — we hardly ever see each other

4)

un po' — a little, a bit

è un po' corto — it's a little o a bit short

sono un po' stanco — I'm a bit tired

zoppica un po' — he limps a bit, he has a slight limp

arriverà fra un po' — he'll arrive shortly o in a little while

un po' prima del solito — a little earlier than usual

ha dormito un bel po' — he slept for quite a while

fammi un po' vedere — let me have a look

5)

(fraseologia) (a) poco a poco — bit by bit, little by little

a dir poco — to say the least

eravamo in 30 a dir poco — there were at least 30 of us

è una cosa da poco — it's nothing, it's of no importance

una persona da poco — a worthless individual

ha vinto di poco — he only just won

poco male — never mind, it doesn't matter

per poco non cadevo — I almost o nearly fell

2. agg indef

1) (quantità) little, negazione + (very) much, (numero) few, negazione + (very) many

poco denaro — little o not much money

poco vino — little o not much wine

poche persone — few o not many people

poche idee — few o not many ideas

c'era poca gente — there were only a few people

è un tipo di poche parole — he's a man of few words

a poco prezzo — at a low price, cheap

con poca spesa — for a small outlay

2) (in espressioni ellittiche: tempo) a short time, a little while, (quantità) (a) little

ci vediamo fra poco — see you soon o shortly

l'ha comprato per poco — he bought it cheap

ne abbiamo ancora per poco — we'll only be a little longer

basta poco per farlo contento — it doesn't take much to make him happy

3. pron

1) (a) little

c'è chi ha molto tempo e chi ne ha poco — there are those who have a lot of time and those who have little

2)

(persone) pochi, poche — few (people)

pochi la pensano come lui — few people think as he does

pochi di noi — few of us

4. sm

1) little

il poco che guadagno... — what little I earn...

vive del poco che ha — she lives on the little she has

See:

buono

2)

un po' — a little

un po' di soldi — a little money

un po' di pane — a little bread

un po' di zucchero — a little sugar

un po' di silenzio! — let's have a bit of quiet!

ha un po' di mal di testa — he has a slight headache

ha un po' di influenza — she has a touch of flu

un bel po' di denaro — quite a lot of money, a tidy sum

facciamo un po' per uno — let's do a bit each

3)

po' po'; che po' po' di coraggio! — what courage!

niente po' po' di meno che il presidente in persona! — no less than the president himself!

* * *
1.
pl. - chi, - che ['pɔko, ki, ke] aggettivo indefinito

1) (un numero esiguo di) few, not many

- chi visitatori — not many o few visitors

troppo -che persone — too few people

troppo -chi soldi — too little money

pochissime case — very few houses

2) (una piccola quantità di) little, not much

beve poco vino — he doesn't drink much wine

spendere poco denaro — to spend little money

3) (scarso) little, not much

- che possibilità — little chance

c'è poco rumore — there's not much noise

avere -a memoria — to have a poor memory

4) (di tempo)

poco tempo fa — a short time ago, not long ago

c'è così poco tempo — there's so little time

5) (in frasi esclamative)

- che chiacchiere! — cut the cackle!
2.
pronome indefinito

1) (piccola quantità, scarsa misura)

voglio spendere poco — I don't want to spend much

"è rimasto del gelato?" - "poco" — "is there any ice cream left?" - "not much"

so poco di lui — I don't know much about him

ne ha letti -chi — he read few of them

ci vuole poco a... — it doesn't take much to...

c'è mancato poco — that was a close shave

2) (esiguo numero di persone) few

- chi hanno fiducia in lui — few o not many people trust him

siamo in -chi — there are only a few of us

3) (in espressioni di tempo)

manca poco alle due — it's nearly two o'clock, it's going on for two

ci ha impiegato poco — it didn't take him long

ci sono rimasto poco — I didn't stay there (for) long o a long time

è arrivato da poco — he hasn't been here long, he's just arrived

lavoro qui da poco — I've worked here for a short time

poco fa — a short while ago

poco prima, dopo — shortly before, afterwards

fra o tra poco shortly, before long, very soon; di lì a poco — before long, soon afterwards

4) per poco, di poco

l'ha mancato per o di poco he just missed it; mancare di poco il bersaglio — to strike short of the target, to miss the target by a little

5) per poco (non) (quasi)

per poco (non) perdeva il treno — he almost missed the train

per poco non mi catturavano — I just o narrowly missed being captured

6) per poco che

per poco che sia — however little it is

7) a poco, per poco (a buon mercato) [comprare, vendere] cheap

l'ho avuto per poco — I got it cheap

8) poco da

ho poco da dire — I've got little to say

c'è poco da ridere — it's no laughing matter

c'è poco da scegliere — there's not much to choose

9) da poco

una cosa da poco — a small thing

una persona da poco — a worthless person

10) a dir poco

era sorpreso, a dir poco — he was surprised, to say the least (of it)

è a dir poco testardo! — he's nothing if not stubborn!
3.
sostantivo maschile

1) (piccola quantità) little

quel poco che ha — what little she has

quel poco che ho visto era molto bello — the little I saw was very good

2) un po' di (un poco) a little of, a bit of, some, any

voglio un po' di tè — I want a little o some tea

c'è ancora un po' di gelato? — is there any ice cream left?

bevi ancora un po' di birra! — have some more beer!

posso averne un po' di più? — can I have a little more?

un po' di tutto — a bit of everything

parlo un po' di inglese — I speak a little English

un po' di tempo fa — a little while ago

3) un bel po' di colloq. quite a lot of, a fair amount of

un bel po' di persone — quite a few people, a lot of people

aspettò un bel po' di ore — he waited for a good few hours

un bel po' di tempo fa — a good o long while ago

4) un bel po'

per un bel po' — for a good while

camminò un bel po' — he walked quite a way

è un bel po' che non ci si vede! — long time no see!
4.
avverbio

1) (con un verbo) little, not much

parla poco — he doesn't talk much

ho dormito poco — I didn't sleep (very) much

ci vede poco — he can't see very well

2) (con un avverbio)

sta poco bene — he's not well

poco lontano da qui — not far away from here

poco male! — (non importa) no harm done! (tanto meglio) just as well!

3) (con aggettivo o participio passato) not very

è poco educato — he's not very polite

un lavoro poco pagato — a poorly paid job

i suoi libri sono poco letti — his books are little read

un romanzo poco conosciuto — a little-known novel

4) (con forme comparative) little, not much

è poco più alto di me — he is little o not much taller than me

poco più di un'ora fa — little more than an hour ago

5) un po' (per un certo tempo)

rimani ancora un po' — stay a little longer

aspetta un po'! — wait a bit!

ci vorrà un po' — it will take some time

studio da un po' — I've been studying for some time

ci ho pensato un (bel) po' — I've thought about it quite a bit; (in una certa quantità)

prendine ancora un po' — take some more; (leggermente)

un po' timido — a bit shy

ti senti un po' meglio? — are you feeling any better?

l'arrosto è un po' bruciato — the roast is a bit o slightly burned; (abbastanza)

"parli tedesco?" - "un po'" — "do you speak German?" - "a little bit"; (con valore rafforzativo)

sta un po' zitto! — just keep quiet!

vediamo un po' — let me see

(ma) pensa, guarda un po'! — fancy that! (seguito da altro avverbio)

mangia un po' di più — eat a bit more

parla un po' più forte — speak little o a bit louder

fa un po' meno freddo di ieri — it's a little less cold than yesterday

6) a poco a poco little by little

7) non poco

ero non poco sorpreso — I was not a little surprised

••

sapere di poco — (essere insipido) to be tasteless; (essere poco interessante) to be dull

poco o nulla — little or nothing

non ti credo neanche un po' — you don't fool me for a minute

non è poco! — that's saying a lot!

un po' per la depressione un po' per la disoccupazione — what with the depression and unemployment

un poco di buono — an ugly customer, a bad lot

una poco di buono — a slut pop.
••
Note:

Poco può essere usato come aggettivo, pronome, sostantivo e avverbio. - Come aggettivo e pronome, poco si traduce con little davanti o al posto di nomi non numerabili e con few davanti o al posto di nomi plurali: poco zucchero = little sugar; aggiunse poco a quanto aveva già detto = she added little to what she had already said; pochi libri = few books; ne ho letti pochi = I read few of them. Attenzione a non confondere few = pochi (cioè, un numero insufficiente) con a few = alcuni (cioè, un numero ridotto, ma non necessariamente insufficiente). - Come sostantivo, poco compare in espressioni quali il poco che... = the little... / what little..., un po' / un poco di... = a little (of), a bit (of), some, any: si vedano sotto gli esempi. - Come avverbio, poco si traduce con little o not much con i verbi ( lo vedo molto poco = I see him very little) o con forme al comparativo ( sono poco più grasso di lui = I'm little / not much fatter than him), e con not very davanti ad aggettivi e avverbi ( poco pulito = not very clean; poco chiaramente = not very clearly). - Questi e altri esempi nella voce mostrano come poco si rende spesso in inglese con la negazione di molto: pochi studenti = few students / not many students; ho poco da dire = I've got little to say / I don't have much to say; ho dor mito poco = I slept little / I didn't sleep very much, ecc

* * *

poco

pl. - chi, - che /'pɔko, ki, ke/

Poco può essere usato come aggettivo, pronome, sostantivo e avverbio. - Come aggettivo e pronome, poco si traduce con little davanti o al posto di nomi non numerabili e con few davanti o al posto di nomi plurali: poco zucchero = little sugar; aggiunse poco a quanto aveva già detto = she added little to what she had already said; pochi libri = few books; ne ho letti pochi = I read few of them. Attenzione a non confondere few = pochi (cioè, un numero insufficiente) con a few = alcuni (cioè, un numero ridotto, ma non necessariamente insufficiente). - Come sostantivo, poco compare in espressioni quali il poco che... = the little... / what little..., un po' / un poco di... = a little (of), a bit (of), some, any: si vedano sotto gli esempi. - Come avverbio, poco si traduce con little o not much con i verbi ( lo vedo molto poco = I see him very little) o con forme al comparativo ( sono poco più grasso di lui = I'm little / not much fatter than him), e con not very davanti ad aggettivi e avverbi ( poco pulito = not very clean; poco chiaramente = not very clearly). - Questi e altri esempi nella voce mostrano come poco si rende spesso in inglese con la negazione di molto: pochi studenti = few students / not many students; ho poco da dire = I've got little to say / I don't have much to say; ho dor mito poco = I slept little / I didn't sleep very much, ecc. ⇒ 31

I aggettivo indefinito

1 (un numero esiguo di) few, not many; - chi visitatori not many o few visitors; troppo -che persone too few people; troppo -chi soldi too little money; pochissime case very few houses

2 (una piccola quantità di) little, not much; beve poco vino he doesn't drink much wine; spendere poco denaro to spend little money

3 (scarso) little, not much; - che possibilità little chance; c'è poco rumore there's not much noise; avere -a memoria to have a poor memory

4 (di tempo) poco tempo fa a short time ago, not long ago; c'è così poco tempo there's so little time

5 (in frasi esclamative) -che chiacchiere! cut the cackle!

II pronome indefinito

1 (piccola quantità, scarsa misura) voglio spendere poco I don't want to spend much; "è rimasto del gelato?" - "poco" "is there any ice cream left?" - "not much"; so poco di lui I don't know much about him; ne ha letti -chi he read few of them; ci vuole poco a... it doesn't take much to...; c'è mancato poco that was a close shave

2 (esiguo numero di persone) few; - chi hanno fiducia in lui few o not many people trust him; siamo in -chi there are only a few of us

3 (in espressioni di tempo) manca poco alle due it's nearly two o'clock, it's going on for two; ci ha impiegato poco it didn't take him long; ci sono rimasto poco I didn't stay there (for) long o a long time; è arrivato da poco he hasn't been here long, he's just arrived; lavoro qui da poco I've worked here for a short time; poco fa a short while ago; poco prima, dopo shortly before, afterwards; fra o tra poco shortly, before long, very soon; di lì a poco before long, soon afterwards

4 per poco, di poco l'ha mancato per o di poco he just missed it; mancare di poco il bersaglio to strike short of the target, to miss the target by a little

5 per poco (non) (quasi) per poco (non) perdeva il treno he almost missed the train; per poco non mi catturavano I just o narrowly missed being captured

6 per poco che per poco che sia however little it is

7 a poco, per poco (a buon mercato) [comprare, vendere] cheap; l'ho avuto per poco I got it cheap

8 poco da ho poco da dire I've got little to say; c'è poco da ridere it's no laughing matter; c'è poco da scegliere there's not much to choose

9 da poco una cosa da poco a small thing; una persona da poco a worthless person

10 a dir poco era sorpreso, a dir poco he was surprised, to say the least (of it); è a dir poco testardo! he's nothing if not stubborn!

III sostantivo m.

1 (piccola quantità) little; quel poco che ha what little she has; quel poco che ho visto era molto bello the little I saw was very good

2 un po' di (un poco) a little of, a bit of, some, any; voglio un po' di tè I want a little o some tea; c'è ancora un po' di gelato? is there any ice cream left? bevi ancora un po' di birra! have some more beer! posso averne un po' di più? can I have a little more? un po' di tutto a bit of everything; parlo un po' di inglese I speak a little English; un po' di tempo fa a little while ago

3 un bel po' di colloq. quite a lot of, a fair amount of; un bel po' di persone quite a few people, a lot of people; aspettò un bel po' di ore he waited for a good few hours; un bel po' di tempo fa a good o long while ago

4 un bel po' per un bel po' for a good while; camminò un bel po' he walked quite a way; è un bel po' che non ci si vede! long time no see!

IV avverbio

1 (con un verbo) little, not much; parla poco he doesn't talk much; ho dormito poco I didn't sleep (very) much; ci vede poco he can't see very well

2 (con un avverbio) sta poco bene he's not well; poco lontano da qui not far away from here; poco male! (non importa) no harm done! (tanto meglio) just as well!

3 (con aggettivo o participio passato) not very; è poco educato he's not very polite; un lavoro poco pagato a poorly paid job; i suoi libri sono poco letti his books are little read; un romanzo poco conosciuto a little-known novel

4 (con forme comparative) little, not much; è poco più alto di me he is little o not much taller than me; poco più di un'ora fa little more than an hour ago

5 un po' (per un certo tempo) rimani ancora un po' stay a little longer; aspetta un po'! wait a bit! ci vorrà un po' it will take some time; studio da un po' I've been studying for some time; ci ho pensato un (bel) po' I've thought about it quite a bit; (in una certa quantità) prendine ancora un po' take some more; (leggermente) un po' timido a bit shy; ti senti un po' meglio? are you feeling any better? l'arrosto è un po' bruciato the roast is a bit o slightly burned; (abbastanza) "parli tedesco?" - "un po'" "do you speak German?" - "a little bit"; (con valore rafforzativo) sta un po' zitto! just keep quiet! vediamo un po' let me see; (ma) pensa, guarda un po'! fancy that! (seguito da altro avverbio) mangia un po' di più eat a bit more; parla un po' più forte speak little o a bit louder; fa un po' meno freddo di ieri it's a little less cold than yesterday

6 a poco a poco little by little

7 non poco ero non poco sorpreso I was not a little surprised

IDIOMS

sapere di poco (essere insipido) to be tasteless; (essere poco interessante) to be dull; poco o nulla little or nothing; non ti credo neanche un po' you don't fool me for a minute; non è poco! that's saying a lot! un po' per la depressione un po' per la disoccupazione what with the depression and unemployment; un poco di buono an ugly customer, a bad lot; una poco di buono a slut pop.

Dizionario Italiano-Inglese > poco

8 mínimo

adj.

minimal, lowest, least, minimum.

m.

minimum.

* * *

mínimo

► adjetivo

1 minimum, lowest

■ con un esfuerzo mínimo ya habremos llegado if we try just a bit harder we'll get there

■ hemos llegado a temperaturas mínimas we've reached minimum temperatures

■ no me importa lo más mínimo I couldn't care less

► nombre masculino mínimo

1 minimum

■ pon el gas en el mínimo turn the gas right down

\

FRASEOLOGÍA

como mínimo at least

ni la más mínima idea not the faintest (idea)

mínimo común múltiplo lowest common multiple

————————

mínimo

► nombre masculino

1 minimum

■ pon el gas en el mínimo turn the gas right down

* * *
1. noun m.
minimum
2. (f. - mínima)
adj.

1) least, smallest

2) minimum

* * *

1. ADJ

1) (=inferior) [nivel, cantidad] minimum

no llegaron a alcanzar el nivel mínimo exigido — they did not manage to reach the minimum level required

la temperatura mínima fue de 15 grados — the minimum temperature was 15 degrees

quería conseguirlo todo con el mínimo esfuerzo — he wanted to achieve everything with a o the minimum of effort

tarifa mínima: 2 euros — minimum fare: 2 euros

el tamaño mínimo del dibujo deberá ser de 20 x 30 centímetros — the drawing should not be less than 20 x 30 centimetres

• lo mínimo, es lo mínimo que podemos hacer — it's the least we can do

intente hablar lo mínimo posible — try and talk as little as possible

• lo más mínimo — the least o the slightest

el dinero no me interesa lo más mínimo — I'm not the least o the slightest bit interested in money

los sueldos no se verán afectados en lo más mínimo — salaries will not be affected in the least o in the slightest

• precio mínimo — minimum price

• en un tiempo mínimo — in no time at all

el microondas calienta la comida en un tiempo mínimo — the microwave heats up food in next to no time o in no time at all

mínimo común denominador — lowest common denominator
múltiplo 2., salario, servicio 1), c)
2) (=muy pequeño) [habitación, letra] tiny, minute; [detalle] minute; [gasto, beneficio] minimal

escribía con una letra mínima — his writing was tiny o minute

una habitación de tamaño mínimo — a tiny room

esto es solo una mínima parte de lo que hemos gastado — this is just a tiny fraction of what we have spent

este teléfono ocupa un espacio mínimo — this telephone takes up hardly any space

me contó hasta el más mínimo detalle — he told me everything in minute detail

un vehículo de consumo mínimo — a vehicle with minimal fuel consumption

3) [plazo]

no existe un plazo mínimo para entregar el trabajo — there's no set date for the work to be handed in

2. SM

1) (=cantidad mínima) minimum

¿cuál es el mínimo? — what is the minimum?

• bajo mínimos — Esp [credibilidad, moral] at rock bottom; [consumo, presupuesto] very low

el equipo salió al campo con la moral bajo mínimos — the team took to the field with their morale at rock bottom

su credibilidad se halla bajo mínimos — his credibility is at an all-time low

con el presupuesto bajo mínimos — with the budget cut back to a minimum, with a very low budget

• como mínimo — at least

eso costará, como mínimo, 40 euros — that will cost at least 40 euros

como mínimo te he llamado cinco veces — I've phoned you at least five times

• un mínimo de algo — a minimum of sth

necesitas hacer un mínimo de esfuerzo — you need to make a minimum of effort

necesitamos un mínimo de dos millones — we need a minimum of two million

si tuviera un mínimo de vergüenza no vendría más por aquí — if he had any shame at all he wouldn't come back here

necesito un mínimo de intimidad — I need a modicum of privacy

• reducir algo al mínimo — to keep o reduce sth to a minimum

han intentado reducir los gastos al mínimo — they have tried to keep o reduce expenditure to a minimum

2) (Econ) record low, lowest point

hoy se ha llegado en la bolsa al mínimo anual — today the stock exchange reached this year's record low o lowest point

mínimo histórico — all-time low

3) (Mat) [de una función] minimum

4) (Meteo)

mínimo de presión — low-pressure area, trough
mínima
5) Caribe (Aut) choke

* * *
I
- ma adjetivo

a) <temperatura/peso> minimum (before n)

no le importa lo más mínimo — he couldn't care less

el trabajo no le interesa en lo más mínimo — he is not in the least (bit) o slightest (bit) interested in his work

no tengo la más mínima idea — I haven't the faintest o slightest idea

b) ( insignificante) < detalle> minor

los beneficios han sido mínimos — profits have been minimal

c) ( muy pequeño) minute, tiny

- mínimo común denominador/múltiplo
II
masculino minimum

con un mínimo de esfuerzo — with a o the minimum of effort

no tiene ni un mínimo de educación — she has absolutely no manners

con un mínimo de sentido común — with the least bit of (common) sense, with a modicum of sense (frml)

reducir algo al mínimo — to keep something to a minimum

como mínimo — at least

* * *

= bare [barer -comp., barest -sup.], low [lower -comp., lowest -sup.], minimal, minimum, negligible, reduced, baseline [base line], monadic, lower bound, razor-thin, paltry [paltrier -comp., paltriest -sup.], measly [measlier -comp., measliest -sup.].

Ex. Those are just the bare beginnings.

Ex. Carlton Duncan discussed the difficulties built into the educational processes which led to under-performance at school and the resulting low representation in higher education and low entry into the professions.

Ex. The intellectual input at the indexing stage is minimal, even in systems where in the interest of enhanced consistency there is some intervention at the indexing stage.

Ex. When used by skilled abstractors this mixture of styles can achieve the maximum transmission of information, within a minimum length.

Ex. Microforms are obviously very compact, and the microforms themselves occupy negligible space.

Ex. The model shows that market concentration rises with inelastic demand, reduced marginal costs and efficient technology.

Ex. This article describes the development of the first baseline inventory of information resources at the U.S.

Ex. Modern economic theory, with its bias in favor of atomistic or monadic analysis, fails to take into account ethical questions.

Ex. The resulting cost and benefit models permit estimating a lower bound on benefits and the calculations of net benefits (benefits less costs).

Ex. Let's not squabble about the fact that Bush actually eked out a razor-thin victory in the popular vote.

Ex. And there is no guarantee that any of the paltry sums of extra money available will actually benefit the workers in the recipient countries.

Ex. Despite the Bank of England's base rate having risen by a full percentage point, the average savings rate is still ' measly'.

----

* a un coste mínimo = at (a) minimum cost.

* como mínimo = at least, conservatively, at a minimum.

* como mínimo hasta que = minimally until.

* con sólo una mínima idea de = with only the sketchiest idea of.

* con unos costes mínimos = with minimum costs.

* coste mínimo = minimal cost, minimum cost.

* diferencia entre... y... es mínima = line between... and... is thin.

* en lo más mínimo = not in the least + Nombre Negativo.

* grupo mínimo relacionado = minimum zone cohort.

* lo más mínimo = so much as.

* lo mínimo = bare necessities, the.

* mantener Algo al mínimo = keep + Nombre + at a minimum.

* mínima parte = fraction.

* nivel mínimo del agua = low-water mark.

* no importar lo más mínimo = could not care less.

* no tener la más mínima idea sobre Algo = Negativo + have + the foggiest idea.

* precio mínimo = threshold price.

* reducción al mínimo = minimisation [minimization, -USA].

* reducido al mínimo = stripped down.

* reducir al mínimo = minimise [minimize, -USA], reduce to + a minimum, cut down to + a minimum, keep to + a (bare) minimum, cut to + the bone.

* reducir a lo mínimo = cut to + the bone.

* salario mínimo = living wage, minimum salary, poverty level.

* salario mínimo, el = minimum wage, the.

* ser mínimo = be at a minimum.

* servicios mínimos = skeleton staff.

* sin la más mínima de duda = without a shadow of a doubt.

* sin la más mínima duda = beyond a shadow of a doubt.

* temperatura mínima = minimum temperature.

* vivir con lo mínimo = live on + a shoestring (budget).

* * *
I
- ma adjetivo

a) <temperatura/peso> minimum (before n)

no le importa lo más mínimo — he couldn't care less

el trabajo no le interesa en lo más mínimo — he is not in the least (bit) o slightest (bit) interested in his work

no tengo la más mínima idea — I haven't the faintest o slightest idea

b) ( insignificante) < detalle> minor

los beneficios han sido mínimos — profits have been minimal

c) ( muy pequeño) minute, tiny

- mínimo común denominador/múltiplo
II
masculino minimum

con un mínimo de esfuerzo — with a o the minimum of effort

no tiene ni un mínimo de educación — she has absolutely no manners

con un mínimo de sentido común — with the least bit of (common) sense, with a modicum of sense (frml)

reducir algo al mínimo — to keep something to a minimum

como mínimo — at least

* * *

= bare [barer -comp., barest -sup.], low [lower -comp., lowest -sup.], minimal, minimum, negligible, reduced, baseline [base line], monadic, lower bound, razor-thin, paltry [paltrier -comp., paltriest -sup.], measly [measlier -comp., measliest -sup.].

Ex: Those are just the bare beginnings.

Ex: Carlton Duncan discussed the difficulties built into the educational processes which led to under-performance at school and the resulting low representation in higher education and low entry into the professions.

Ex: The intellectual input at the indexing stage is minimal, even in systems where in the interest of enhanced consistency there is some intervention at the indexing stage.

Ex: When used by skilled abstractors this mixture of styles can achieve the maximum transmission of information, within a minimum length.

Ex: Microforms are obviously very compact, and the microforms themselves occupy negligible space.

Ex: The model shows that market concentration rises with inelastic demand, reduced marginal costs and efficient technology.

Ex: This article describes the development of the first baseline inventory of information resources at the U.S.

Ex: Modern economic theory, with its bias in favor of atomistic or monadic analysis, fails to take into account ethical questions.

Ex: The resulting cost and benefit models permit estimating a lower bound on benefits and the calculations of net benefits (benefits less costs).

Ex: Let's not squabble about the fact that Bush actually eked out a razor-thin victory in the popular vote.

Ex: And there is no guarantee that any of the paltry sums of extra money available will actually benefit the workers in the recipient countries.

Ex: Despite the Bank of England's base rate having risen by a full percentage point, the average savings rate is still ' measly'.

* a un coste mínimo = at (a) minimum cost.

* como mínimo = at least, conservatively, at a minimum.

* como mínimo hasta que = minimally until.

* con sólo una mínima idea de = with only the sketchiest idea of.

* con unos costes mínimos = with minimum costs.

* coste mínimo = minimal cost, minimum cost.

* diferencia entre... y... es mínima = line between... and... is thin.

* en lo más mínimo = not in the least + Nombre Negativo.

* grupo mínimo relacionado = minimum zone cohort.

* lo más mínimo = so much as.

* lo mínimo = bare necessities, the.

* mantener Algo al mínimo = keep + Nombre + at a minimum.

* mínima parte = fraction.

* nivel mínimo del agua = low-water mark.

* no importar lo más mínimo = could not care less.

* no tener la más mínima idea sobre Algo = Negativo + have + the foggiest idea.

* precio mínimo = threshold price.

* reducción al mínimo = minimisation [minimization, -USA].

* reducido al mínimo = stripped down.

* reducir al mínimo = minimise [minimize, -USA], reduce to + a minimum, cut down to + a minimum, keep to + a (bare) minimum, cut to + the bone.

* reducir a lo mínimo = cut to + the bone.

* salario mínimo = living wage, minimum salary, poverty level.

* salario mínimo, el = minimum wage, the.

* ser mínimo = be at a minimum.

* servicios mínimos = skeleton staff.

* sin la más mínima de duda = without a shadow of a doubt.

* sin la más mínima duda = beyond a shadow of a doubt.

* temperatura mínima = minimum temperature.

* vivir con lo mínimo = live on + a shoestring (budget).

* * *

mínimo¹ -ma

adjective

1 ‹temperatura/cantidad/peso› minimum ( before n)

los beneficios han sido mínimos profits have been minimal

no le importa lo más mínimo he couldn't care less, he doesn't care in the least

el trabajo no le interesa en lo más mínimo he is not in the least o slightest bit interested in his work

[ S ] consumición/tarifa mínima 2 euros minimum charge 2 euros

no tengo la más mínima idea I haven't the faintest o slightest idea

no se preocupa en lo más mínimo por su familia she doesn't show the slightest concern for her family

me contó hasta los detalles más mínimos de su experiencia he told me about his experience in minute detail

era lo mínimo que podía hacer it was the least I could do

2 (muy pequeño) minute, tiny

una casa de proporciones mínimas a tiny house, a house of minute proportions

Compuesto:

mínimo común denominador/múltiplo

lowest common denominator/multiple

mínimo²

masculine

la bolsa ha alcanzado el mínimo del año the stock exchange has reached its lowest point this year

pretende hacer todo con un mínimo de esfuerzo he tries to do everything with a minimum of effort o with as little effort as possible

gana un mínimo de $50.000 she earns a minimum of $50,000

no tiene ni un mínimo de educación she has absolutely no manners

al menos podría tener un mínimo de respeto he could at least show a little (bit of) o a modicum of respect

para hacer ese trabajo tiene que tener un mínimo de inteligencia a modicum of intelligence is required to do this job

si tuvieras un mínimo de sentido común, no habrías hecho eso if you had any sense at all o if you had a modicum of sense, you wouldn't have done that

tendrá, como mínimo, unos 40 años he must be at least forty

como mínimo podrías haberle dado las gracias you could at least have thanked him

habrá que reducir al mínimo los gastos costs will have to be kept to a minimum

* * *

mínimo 1
◊ -ma adjetivo

a) ‹temperatura/peso› minimum ( before n);

◊ no le importa lo más mínimo he couldn't care less;

el trabajo no le interesa en lo más mínimo he is not in the slightest (bit) interested in his work;
no tengo la más mínima idea I haven't the faintest idea
b) ( insignificante) ‹ detalle› minor;

‹diferencia/beneficios› minimal
mínimo 2 sustantivo masculino
minimum;
◊ reducir los gastos al mínimo to keep costs to a minimum;

como mínimo at least
mínimo,-a
I adjetivo
1 (muy pequeño) minute, tiny
2 (muy escaso) minimal
3 (menor posible) minimum
sueldo mínimo, minimum wage/salary
II sustantivo masculino minimum
un mínimo de dos meses, a minimum of two months
mil pesetas como mínimo, a thousand pesetas at least

' mínimo' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
baja
- bajo
- denominador
- ínfima
- ínfimo
- mínima
- mínimamente
- múltipla
- múltiplo
- salario
- tasar
- consumo
- minimizar
English:
bare
- cheap
- deposit
- least
- low
- lowest
- minimal
- minimum
- minimum wage
- say
- sense
- skeleton
- slight
- light
- lowest common denominator
- marginal
- minimize
- minute
- modicum
- quick
- scrap
- very

* * *

mínimo, -a

♦ superlativo
ver pequeño
♦ adj

1. [lo más bajo posible o necesario] minimum;

la mínima puntuación para aprobar es el cinco you need a minimum score of five to pass;

salario o [m5] sueldo mínimo minimum wage;

lo mínimo que podría hacer es disculparse the least she could do is apologize

Comp
Mat mínimo común denominador lowest common denominator; Mat mínimo común múltiplo lowest common multiple
2. [muy pequeño] [efecto, importancia] minimal, very small;
[protesta, ruido] slightest;
no tengo la más mínima idea I haven't the slightest idea;

sus hijos no le importan lo más mínimo he couldn't care less about his children;

en este país no existe la más mínima libertad there's absolutely no freedom at all in this country;

en lo más mínimo in the slightest

♦ nm

minimum;

trabaja un mínimo de 10 horas she works a minimum of 10 hours;

al mínimo to a minimum;

pon la calefacción al mínimo put the heating at minimum;

la libra alcanzó un mínimo histórico frente al dólar the pound reached an all-time low against the dollar;

no tiene un mínimo de sentido común he hasn't an ounce of common sense;

si tuviera un mínimo de decencia la llamaría if he had an ounce of decency he'd call her;

Comp

estar bajo mínimos [de comida, gasolina] to have almost run out;

la popularidad del presidente se encuentra bajo mínimos the president's popularity is at rock bottom;

el equipo se presenta a la final bajo mínimos the team is going into the final well below strength o with a severely depleted side

♦ como mínimo loc adv
[como muy tarde] at the latest; [como poco] at the very least;
llegaremos como mínimo a las cinco we'll be there by five at the latest;

si te vas, como mínimo podrías avisar if you're going to leave, you could at least let me know

* * *

mínimo

I adj minimum;

como mínimo at the very least;

no me interesa lo más mínimo I’m not in the least interested

II m minimum

* * *

mínimo, -ma adj

1) : minimum

salario mínimo: minimum wage

2) : least, smallest

3) : very small, minute

mínimo nm

1) : minimum, least amount

2) : modicum, small amount

3)

como mínimo : at least

* * *

mínimo¹ adj minimum

el más mínimo... the slightest...

mínimo² n minimum

como mínimo at least

Spanish-English dictionary > mínimo

9 bisschen

I Adj.: ein bisschen a (little) bit of; a little; bei Flüssigkeiten: auch a drop of; ein kleines bisschen a tiny bit, just a little (bit); das bisschen Geld, das sie hat what little money she has; wegen dem bisschen Dreck hat sie sich aufgeregt? she got upset about a bit of dirt?; kein bisschen Geld etc. no money etc. at all; sie hatte kein bisschen Angst she wasn’t scared at all

II Adv.: ein bisschen a bit; slightly; kein bisschen not a bit; kein bisschen müde not (in) the least bit tired, not tired at all; ein bisschen viel a bit ( oder little) (too) much; das ist ein bisschen zu viel verlangt that’s asking a bit much; wenn du ein bisschen wartest if you wait a while ( oder hang on a bit umg.); ein bisschen schneller! a bit ( oder little) faster, (mach schnell) get a move on! umg.; ach du liebes bisschen! umg. goodness (me)!, good grief!

* * *

das Bisschen

bit

* * *
bịss|chen ['bɪsçən]
1. adj inv

ein bisschen Geld/Liebe/Wärme — a bit of or a little money/love/warmth

ein bisschen Milch/Wasser — a drop or bit of milk/water, a little milk/water

ein klein bisschen... — a little bit/drop of...

kein bisschen... — not one (little) bit/not a drop of...

das bisschen Geld/Whisky — that little bit of money/drop of whisky

ich habe kein bisschen Hunger — I'm not a bit hungry

2. adv

ein bisschen — a bit, a little

ein klein bisschen — a little bit

ein bisschen wenig — not very much

ein bisschen mehr/viel/teuer etc — a bit more/much/expensive etc

ein bisschen zu wenig — not quite enough

ein bisschen sehr (inf) — a little bit too much

ein bisschen sehr teuer etc (inf) — a (little) bit too expensive etc

3. nt inv

ein bisschen — a bit, a little; (von Flüssigkeit) a drop, a little

ein ganz bisschen (inf) — just a tiny bit/drop

See:

→ lieb

* * *

biss·chen^RR, biß·chen^ALT

[ˈbɪsçən]

pron indef

1. in der Funktion eines adj

▪ ein \bisschen... a bit of..., some...

kann ich noch ein \bisschen Milch haben? can I have another drop of [or a drop more] milk?

ich habe ein \bisschen Ärger im Büro gehabt! I've had a bit of bother at the office

▪ kein \bisschen... not one [little] bit of...

du hast aber auch kein \bisschen Verständnis für meine schwierige Situation you haven't got a scrap of sympathy for the awkward situation I'm in

ich habe kein \bisschen Geld I'm penniless

ich habe im Moment kein \bisschen Zeit! I haven't got a minute to spare at the moment!

▪ das \bisschen... the little bit of...

das \bisschen Geld, das ich habe, brauche ich selber I need what money I have myself

mit dem \bisschen Gehalt kann man in München keine großen Sprünge machen this salary won't get you far in Munich!

2. in der Funktion eines Adverbs

▪ ein \bisschen... a bit [or little]

das war ein \bisschen dumm von ihr! that was a little stupid of her!; + komp

darf's ein \bisschen mehr Käse sein, die Dame? would Madam like a little more cheese?

ich würde an deiner Stelle ein \bisschen weniger arbeiten! if I were you, I'd work a little less

▪ kein \bisschen... not the slightest bit...

es ist kein \bisschen teurer! it's not a bit more expensive!

sie war kein \bisschen schlechter als er she was no worse than him in the slightest

3. in der Funktion eines Substantivs

▪ ein \bisschen a bit [or little]

wenn man nur so ein \bisschen verdient wie ich! when one earns as little as I do!

für so ein \bisschen wollen die 1.000 Euro! they want 1,000 euros for a little bit like that!

von so einem \bisschen wirst du doch nicht satt a little portion like that won't fill you up

nimmst du Milch in den Kaffee? — ja, aber nur ein \bisschen do you take milk with your coffee? — yes, but just a drop

▪ das \bisschen the little

drei Eier, zwei Semmeln, etwas Butter— und für das \bisschen wollen die 10 Euro? three eggs, two rolls and some butter — and they want ten euros for these few items!

ein klein \bisschen (fam) a little bit

* * *
1.
indeklinabeles Indefinitpronomen adjektivisch

ein bisschen Geld/Brot/Milch/Wasser — a bit of or a little money/bread/a drop of or a little milk/water

ich würde ihm kein bisschen Geld mehr leihen — I wouldn't lend him any more money at all

ein/kein bisschen Angst haben — be a bit/not a bit frightened
2.
adverbial

ein/kein bisschen — a bit or a little/not a or one bit

ich werde mich ein bisschen aufs Ohr legen — I'm going to lie down for a bit

ein klein bisschen — a little bit

ein bisschen zu viel/mehr — a bit too much/a bit more
3.
subst

ein bisschen — a bit; a little; (bei Flüssigkeiten) a drop; a little

von dem bisschen werde ich nicht satt — that little bit/drop won't fill me up

das/kein bisschen — the little [bit]/not a or one bit

* * *

bisschen

A. adj:

ein bisschen a (little) bit of; a little; bei Flüssigkeiten: auch a drop of;

ein kleines bisschen a tiny bit, just a little (bit);

das bisschen Geld, das sie hat what little money she has;

wegen dem bisschen Dreck hat sie sich aufgeregt? she got upset about a bit of dirt?;

kein bisschen Geld etc no money etc at all;

sie hatte kein bisschen Angst she wasn’t scared at all

B. adv:

ein bisschen a bit; slightly;

kein bisschen not a bit;

kein bisschen müde not (in) the least bit tired, not tired at all;

ein bisschen viel a bit ( oder little) (too) much;

das ist ein bisschen zu viel verlangt that’s asking a bit much;

wenn du ein bisschen wartest if you wait a while ( oder hang on a bit umg);

ein bisschen schneller! a bit ( oder little) faster, (mach schnell) get a move on! umg;

ach du liebes bisschen! umg goodness (me)!, good grief!

* * *
1.
indeklinabeles Indefinitpronomen adjektivisch

ein bisschen Geld/Brot/Milch/Wasser — a bit of or a little money/bread/a drop of or a little milk/water

ich würde ihm kein bisschen Geld mehr leihen — I wouldn't lend him any more money at all

ein/kein bisschen Angst haben — be a bit/not a bit frightened
2.
adverbial

ein/kein bisschen — a bit or a little/not a or one bit

ich werde mich ein bisschen aufs Ohr legen — I'm going to lie down for a bit

ein klein bisschen — a little bit

ein bisschen zu viel/mehr — a bit too much/a bit more
3.
subst

ein bisschen — a bit; a little; (bei Flüssigkeiten) a drop; a little

von dem bisschen werde ich nicht satt — that little bit/drop won't fill me up

das/kein bisschen — the little [bit]/not a or one bit

* * *

n.

whit n.

Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch > bisschen

10 moins

moins [mwɛ̃]

━━━━━━━━━

1. adverb

2. preposition

3. masculine noun

4. compounds

━━━━━━━━━

1. <

   a. (comparatif) less

• beaucoup moins much less

• un peu moins a little less

• tellement moins so much less

• encore moins even less

• trois fois moins three times less

• non moins célèbre no less famous

• nous sortons moins we go out less

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

► moins se traduit souvent par not as.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• c'est moins rapide it's not as fast

• il fait moins chaud ici it's not as hot in here

► moins... que less... than

• il est moins intelligent qu'elle he's less intelligent than her

• cela m'a coûté moins que rien it cost me next to nothing

• je l'ai eu pour moins que rien I got it for next to nothing

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

► Les expressions du type moins... que sont souvent traduites par l'équivalent anglais de pas aussi... que.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• c'est moins grand que je ne croyais it's not as big as I thought it was

• il travaille moins que vous he doesn't work as hard as you

• j'aime moins la campagne en hiver qu'en été I don't like the countryside as much in winter as in summer

► moins de + nom non comptable less

• je mange moins de pain qu'avant I eat less bread than I used to► moins de + nom comptable

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

► Avec un nom comptable, la traduction correcte est fewer, mais la plupart des gens disent less.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ fewer less

• il y aura moins de monde demain there'll be fewer people tomorrow there'll be less people tomorrow

• mange moins de bonbons don't eat so many sweets

► moins de + nombre

• les moins de 25 ans the under-25s

• les enfants de moins de quatre ans children under four

• nous l'avons fait en moins de cinq minutes we did it in less than five minutes

• il y a moins de deux ans qu'il vit ici he's been living here for less than two years

• il était un peu moins de 6 heures it was just before 6 o'clock

• la frontière est à moins de 3 km the border is less than 3km away► deux fois moins

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

► deux fois moins se traduit souvent par half.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

• c'est deux fois moins grand it's half the size

• cela coûtait deux fois moins it was half the price

► moins... moins the less... the less ; (avec nom comptable) the fewer... the fewer

• moins je mange, moins j'ai d'appétit the less I eat, the less hungry I feel

• moins il y a de clients, moins j'ai de travail the fewer customers I have, the less work I have to do► moins... plus

• moins je fume, plus je mange the less I smoke, the more I eat► moins... mieux

• moins je fume, mieux je me porte the less I smoke, the better I feel

• moins j'ai de coups de fil, mieux je travaille the fewer phone calls I get, the more work I can do► à moins

• vous ne l'obtiendrez pas à moins you won't get it for less

• il est fatigué -- on le serait à moins he's tired -- that's hardly surprising► à moins de

• à moins d'un accident, ça devrait marcher barring accidents, it should work

• il jouera, à moins d'un imprévu he'll be playing unless something unexpected happens

• à moins de faire une bêtise, il devrait gagner unless he does something silly he should win► à moins que

• à moins qu'il ne vienne unless he comes► de moins

• il gagne 500 euros de moins qu'elle he earns 500 euros less than she does

• vous avez cinq ans de moins qu'elle you're five years younger than her► de moins en moins less and less

• c'est de moins en moins utile it's less and less useful

• il entend de moins en moins bien his hearing is getting worse and worse

• il a de moins en moins de clients he has fewer and fewer customers

• j'ai de moins en moins de temps libre I have less and less free time► en moins

• il y a trois verres en moins there are three glasses missing

• ça me fera du travail en moins ! that'll be less work for me!

• en moins de rien in next to no time

• en moins de deux (inf) in next to no time► pas moins

• pas moins de 40 km les sépare de la ville la plus proche they're at least 40km from the nearest town

• gravement malade, il n'en continue pas moins d'écrire despite being seriously ill, he still continues to write

• il n'en reste pas moins que... the fact remains that...

• il n'en est pas moins vrai que... it is no less true that...

   b. (superlatif) least

• le moins the least

► le moins, la moins, les moins (de plusieurs) the least ; (de deux) the less

• c'est le moins doué de mes élèves he's the least gifted of my pupils

• c'est le moins doué des deux he's the less gifted of the two

• les fleurs les moins chères the least expensive flowers► le moins + verbe the least

• c'est celle que j'aime le moins it's the one I like the least

• l'émission que je regarde le moins the programme I watch least often

• c'est bien le moins qu'on puisse faire it's the least one can do

• c'est le moins qu'on puisse dire ! that's putting it mildly!► le moins possible as little as possible

• je lui parle le moins possible I talk to him as little as possible

• j'y resterai le moins de temps possible I won't stay there any longer than I have to

2. <

   a. (soustraction, nombre négatif) minus

• 6 moins 2 font 4 6 minus 2 equals 4

• il fait moins 5 it's minus 5°

   b. (heure) to

• il est 4 heures moins 5 it's 5 to 4

• il est moins 10 (inf) it's 10 to (inf)

3. <

► au moins at least

• elle a payé cette robe au moins 3 000 € she paid at least 3,000 euros for that dress

• 600 au moins at least 600► du moins (restriction) at least

• il ne pleuvra pas, du moins c'est ce qu'annonce la radio it's not going to rain, at least that's what it says on the radio

• j'arriverai vers 4 heures, du moins si l'avion n'a pas de retard I'll be there around 4 o'clock - if the plane's on time, that is► pour le moins to say the least

• sa décision est pour le moins bizarre his decision is odd to say the least

4. <

► moins que rien (inf) masculine noun

( = minable) complete loser (inf)

• on les traite comme des moins que rien they're treated like scum ► moins-value feminine noun depreciation

* * *

I
1. mwɛ̃
préposition

1) ( dans une soustraction) minus

2) ( pour dire l'heure) to

il est huit heures moins dix — it's ten (minutes) to eight

il est moins vingt — (colloq) it's twenty to (colloq)

il était moins une (colloq) or moins cinq — (colloq) it was a close shave (colloq)

3) ( dans une température) minus

2.

adverbe

1) ( modifiant un verbe) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif)

le moins — the least

ils sortent moins — they go out less often

c'est moins une question d'argent qu'une question de principe — it's not so much a question of money as a question of principle

de moins en moins — less and less

moins je sors, moins j'ai envie de sortir — the less I go out, the less I feel like going out

qui travaille le moins de tous? — who works the least of all?

le film qui m'a le moins plu — the film I liked the least

ce que j'aime le moins chez lui — what I like least about him

2) ( modifiant un adjectif) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif)

le moins, la moins, les moins — ( de deux) the less; ( de plus de deux) the least

il est moins grand que son père — he's not as tall as his father

il est moins menteur que sa sœur — he's less of a liar than his sister

les jeunes et les moins jeunes — the young and the not so young

dans le livre il y a du bon et du moins bon — in the book, there are bits that are good and bits that are not so good

il n'en est pas moins vrai que — it's nonetheless true that

le même en moins gros — the same, only thinner

un individu des moins recommandables — a most unsavoury individual

3) ( modifiant un adverbe) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif)

le moins — least

tu devrais rester moins longtemps dans le sauna — you shouldn't stay so long in the sauna

elle chante moins bien qu'avant — she doesn't sing as well as she used to

le moins souvent — (the) least often

3.

moins de déterminant indéfini

1) ( avec un nom)

moins de livres — fewer books

moins de graisses — less fat

moins de sucre/bruit — less sugar/noise

il a parlé avec moins de hargne — he spoke less aggressively

il y a moins de monde aujourd'hui qu'hier — there are fewer people today than there were yesterday

c'est lui qui a le moins d'expérience des trois — of the three he's the one with the least experience

2) ( avec un numéral)

en moins de trois heures — in less than three hours

il est moins de 3 heures — it's not quite 3 o'clock

les moins de 20 ans — people under 20, the under-twenties

4.

à moins locution adverbiale

on serait furieux à moins — it's more than enough to make one angry

5.

à moins de locution prépositive

à moins de partir maintenant — unless we/you etc leave now

à moins d'un miracle — unless there's a miracle

6.

à moins que locution conjonctive

à moins qu'il ne veuille venir — unless he wants to come

7.

à tout le moins locution adverbiale to say the least

8.

au moins locution adverbiale at least

tout au moins — at least

tu l'as remercié, au moins? — you did thank him, didn't you?

9.

de moins locution adverbiale

ça m'a pris deux heures de moins — it took me two hours less

le kilo de pêches valait dix centimes de moins que la veille — a kilo of peaches cost 10 cents less than it had the day before

j'ai un an de moins que lui — I'm a year younger than he is

il a obtenu 25% de voix de moins que son adversaire — he got 25% fewer votes than his opponent

10.

du moins locution adverbiale at least

c'est du moins ce qu'il m'a raconté — at least that's what he told me

si du moins tu es d'accord — that is if you agree

11.

en moins locution adverbiale

il y avait deux fourchettes en moins dans la boîte — there were two forks missing from the box

il est revenu du front avec une jambe en moins/avec un doigt en moins — he came back from the front with only one leg/with a finger missing

c'est tout le portrait de son père, la moustache en moins — he's the spitting image of his father without the moustache GB ou mustache US

12.

pour le moins locution adverbiale to say the least

II mwɛ̃
nom masculin invariable

1) Mathématique minus

le signe moins — the minus sign

2) (colloq) ( inconvénient) minus

•

Phrasal Verbs:

- moins que rien

••

moins I

Généralités

La traduction en anglais de moins est less. Cependant, elle n'est utilisée que dans un nombre de cas assez restreint: en moins de trois jours = in less than three days

Très souvent, même quand une traduction avec less est possible, l'anglais a recours à d'autres moyens. Certains sont réguliers: ma chambre est moins grande que la tienne = my bedroom isn't as big as yours; j'ai moins d'expérience que toi = I don't have as much experience as you (do), = I have less experience than you (do); c'est moins compliqué que vous ne le croyez = it's not as complicated as you think, = it's less complicated than you think

D'autres ne le sont pas: j'essaie de moins fumer = I'm trying to cut down on my smoking, = I'm trying to smoke less

moins de

Lorsque moins de, déterminant indéfini, est suivi d'un nom dénombrable, la règle voudrait que l'on traduise par fewer mais dans la langue parlée on utilise également less

Les expressions le moins possible, le moins du monde sont traitées respectivement sous possible et monde

On trouvera ci-dessous exemples et exceptions illustrant les différentes fonctions de moins

On pourra également se reporter aux notes d'usage portant notamment sur la quantité, l'expression de l'âge, etc. Consulter l'index

* * *
mwɛ̃
1. adv

1) (comparatif) less

moins que — less than

moins grand que — not as tall as

de moins — less

100 euros de moins — 100 euros less

3 jours de moins — 3 days less

Il a trois ans de moins que moi. — He's three years younger than me.

Nous avons trois jours de vacances de moins que l'an dernier. — We have three days holiday less than last year.

Il est moins intelligent que moi. — He's not as clever as me.

Moins je travaille, mieux je me porte. — The less I work, the better I feel.

2) (superlatif)

le moins — least, the least

le moins doué; la moins douée — the least gifted

C'est ce que j'aime le moins. — It's what I like least., It's what I like the least.

C'est l'album que j'aime le moins. — This is the album I like the least., This is the album I least like.

C'est le modèle le moins cher. — It's the least expensive model.

Ce sont les plages qui sont les moins polluées. — These are the least polluted beaches.

3)

moins de (livres, gens) — fewer, (sable, eau, sel) less

moins de sable — less sand

moins d'eau — less water

moins de 2 ans — less than 2 years

Ça coûte moins de deux cents euros. — It costs less than 200 euros.

moins de livres — fewer books

moins de gens — fewer people

Il y a moins de gens aujourd'hui. — There are fewer people today.

Il est moins de midi. — It's not yet midday.

4) (autres locutions)

en moins; de l'argent en moins — less money

Cette année nous avons trois jours de vacances en moins. — We have three days less holiday this year.

le soleil en moins — without the sun, minus the sun

L'endroit ressemble assez à la Côte d'Azur, le soleil en moins. — The place is quite like the Riviera, without the sun.

au moins — at least

Ne te plains pas: au moins il ne pleut pas! — Don't complain: at least it's not raining!

pour le moins — at the very least

à moins de; à moins que — unless

à moins de faire; à moins que tu ne fasses — unless you do

Je te retrouverai à dix heures à moins que le train n'ait du retard. — I'll meet you at 10 o'clock unless the train is late.

à moins d'un accident — barring accidents

de moins en moins — less and less

Il vient nous voir de moins en moins. — He comes to see us less and less often.

en moins de deux — in a flash

2. prép

1) (soustraction) minus

4 moins 2 — 4 minus 2

2) (température) minus

Il fait moins 5. — It's minus 5., It's 5 below., It's 5 degrees below freezing.

Il a fait moins cinq la nuit dernière. — It was minus five last night.

3) (heure)

dix heures moins cinq — five to ten

Il est cinq heures moins dix. — It's ten to five.

Il est moins cinq. — It's five to.

3. nm

(= signe) minus sign

* * *

I.

moins ⇒ Note d'usage

A prép

1 ( dans une soustraction) minus; 8 moins 3 égale 5 8 minus 3 is ou equals 5; il a retrouvé sa voiture, moins les roues he got his car back without ou minus hum the wheels;

2 ( pour dire l'heure) to; il est huit heures moins dix it's ten (minutes) to eight; il est moins vingt○ it's twenty to○, it's twenty minutes to the hour; il était moins une○ or moins cinq○ it was a close shave○;

3 ( dans une température) minus; il faisait moins 15 degrés it was minus 15 (degrees).

B adv

1 ( modifiant un verbe) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif) le moins the least; je lis moins ces derniers temps I read less these days; ils sortent moins maintenant qu'ils ont un enfant they don't go out as much ou they go out less often now that they have a child; il importe moins de changer le règlement que de le faire appliquer changing the rule is less important than implementing it; je gagne moins qu'elle I earn less than she does, I don't earn as much as she does; c'est moins un artiste qu'un bon artisan he' s not so much an artist as a good craftsman; c'est moins une question d'argent qu'une question de principe it's not so much a question of money as a question of principle; de moins en moins less and less; moins je sors, moins j'ai envie de sortir the less I go out, the less I feel like going out; moins je le vois, mieux je me porte the less I see him, the better I feel; c'est lui qui travaille le moins de tous he's the one who works the least of all; le film qui m'a le moins plu the film I liked the least; ce que j'aime le moins chez lui what I like least about him;

2 ( modifiant un adjectif) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif) le moins, la moins, les moins ( de deux) the less; ( de plus de deux) the least; il est moins grand/doué que son père he's not as tall/gifted as his father; c'est moins facile qu'il n'y paraît it's not as easy as it seems; il est moins menteur que sa sœur he's less of a liar than his sister; c'est moins problématique que je ne croyais it's less problematic ou less of a problem than I thought, it's not as problematic as I thought; les jeunes et les moins jeunes the young and the not so young; dans le livre il y a du bon et du moins bon in the book, there are bits that are good and bits that are not so good; il n'en est pas moins vrai que it's nonetheless true that; il ressemble à son frère en moins gros he looks like his brother, only thinner; ce sont les employés les moins compétents de l'entreprise they're the least competent employees in the company; un individu des moins recommandables a most unsavoury individual;

3 ( modifiant un adverbe) ( comparatif) less; ( superlatif) le moins least; tu devrais rester moins longtemps dans le sauna you shouldn't stay so long in the sauna; elle chante moins bien qu'avant she doesn't sing as well as she used to; il fait moins beau que l'an dernier the weather isn't as good as it was last year; c'est le moins bien payé des deux he's the less well-paid of the two; le moins souvent (the) least often.

C moins de dét indéf

1 ( avec un nom dénombrable) moins de livres/d'assiettes/d'arguments fewer books/plates/arguments; j'ai moins de livres que toi I don't have as many books as you ou I have fewer books than you; mangez moins de graisses eat less fat; il y a moins de candidats there are fewer candidates; ils ont moins de chances d'être élus they are less likely to be elected; les éditeurs publient moins de livres publishers are publishing fewer books; pas moins de no fewer than;

2 ( avec un nom non dénombrable) moins de sucre/vin/papier less sugar/wine/paper; moins de bruit/lumière less noise/light; il a parlé avec moins de hargne he spoke less aggressively; il y a moins de monde aujourd'hui qu'hier there are fewer people today than there were yesterday; pas moins de no less than; c'est lui qui a le moins d'expérience des trois of the three he's the one with the least experience;

3 ( avec un numéral) en moins de trois heures in less than three hours; dans moins de trois heures in less than three hours; le voyage a duré un peu moins de trois heures the journey took a bit less than ou just under three hours; il est moins de 3 heures it's not quite 3 o'clock; les enfants de moins de 6 ans children under 6; les moins de 20 ans people under 20, the under-twenties; une planche de moins de deux m ètres de long a plank less than two metres^GB long; moins de huit candidats fewer than eight candidates; tu ne trouveras rien à moins de 500 euros you won't find anything for less than 500 euros ou for under 500 euros; ça m'a coûté moins de 200 euros it cost me less than 200 euros ou under 200 euros.

D à moins loc adv on serait furieux à moins it's more than enough to make one angry.

E à moins de loc prép à moins de partir maintenant, il n'arrivera pas à l'heure unless he leaves now he won't get there on time; à moins d'un miracle il va échouer unless there's a miracle, he's going to fail.

F à moins que loc conj à moins qu'il ne veuille venir unless he wants to come.

G à tout le moins loc adv to say the least.

H au moins loc adv at least; tout au moins at least; il y avait au moins 3 000 personnes there were at least 3,000 people; au moins, lui, il a réussi dans la vie he, at least, succeeded in life; tu l'as remercié, au moins? you did thank him, didn't you?

I de moins loc adv ça m'a pris deux heures de moins it took me two hours less; le kilo de pêches valait deux euros de moins que la veille a kilo of peaches cost two euros less than it had the day before; j'ai un an de moins que lui I'm a year younger than he is; il a obtenu 25% de voix de moins que son adversaire he got 25% fewer votes than his opponent.

J du moins loc adv at least; c'est du moins ce qu'il m'a raconté at least that's what he told me; si du moins tu es d'accord that is if you agree.

K en moins loc adv il y avait deux fourchettes en moins dans la boîte there were two forks missing from the box; il est revenu du front avec une jambe en moins/avec un doigt en moins he came back from the front with only one leg/with a finger missing; c'est tout le portrait de son père, la moustache en moins he's/she's the spitting image of his/her father without the moustache GB ou mustache US.

L pour le moins loc adv to say the least; ton attitude est pour le moins étrange your attitude is strange to say the least (of it).

II.

moins nm inv

1 Math minus; le signe moins the minus sign;

2 ○( inconvénient) minus.

Composé

moins que rien nmf good-for-nothing, nobody.

[mwɛ̃] adverbe

A.[COMPARATIF D'INFÉRIORITÉ]

1. [avec un adjectif, un adverbe] less

cinq fois moins cher five times less expensive

deux fois moins cher half as expensive, twice as cheap

en moins rapide but not so ou as fast

c'est moins bien que l'an dernier it's not as good a last year

c'est le même appartement, en moins bien/grand it's the same flat only not as nice/not as big

beaucoup/un peu moins a lot/a little less

il est moins timide que réservé he's not so much shy as reserved

il n'en est pas moins vrai que... it is nonetheless true that...

non moins charmante que... just as charming as..., no less charming than...

2. [avec un verbe] less, not... so ou as much

je souffre moins I'm not in so much ou I'm in less pain

tu devrais demander moins you shouldn't ask for so much

moins tu parles, mieux ça vaut the less you speak, the better

j'y pense moins que tu ne le crois I think about it less than you think

B.[SUPERLATIF D'INFÉRIORITÉ]

1. [avec un adjectif, un adverbe]

c'est lui le moins riche des trois he's the least wealthy of the three

c'est elle la moins intelligente des deux she's the less intelligent of the two

c'est le sommet le moins élevé it's the lowest peak

c'est le modèle le moins cher qu'on puisse trouver it's the least expensive (that) you can find

le moins possible as little as possible

c'est lui qui habite le moins loin he lives the least far away ou the nearest

je ne suis pas le moins du monde surpris I'm not at all ou not in the least bit surprised

je vous dérange? — mais non, pas le moins du monde am I disturbing you? — of course not ou not in the slightest

2. [avec un verbe]

le moins (the) least

le moins qu'on puisse faire, c'est de les inviter the least we could do is invite them

c'est le moins qu'on puisse dire! that's the least you can say!

————————

[mwɛ̃] préposition

1. [en soustrayant]

dix moins huit font deux ten minus ou less eight makes two

on est seize: moins les enfants, ça fait douze there are sixteen of us, twelve not counting the children

2. [indiquant l'heure]

il est moins vingt it's twenty to

il est 3 h moins le quart it's (a) quarter to 3

il était moins une ou cinq (familier) that was a close call ou shave

3. [introduisant un nombre négatif]

moins 50 plus moins 6 égalent moins 56 minus 50 plus minus 6 is ou makes minus 56

il fait moins 25 it's 25 below ou minus 25

plonger à moins 300 m to dive to a depth of 300 m

————————

[mwɛ̃] nom masculin

minus (sign)

————————

à moins locution adverbiale

j'étais terrifié — on le serait à moins! I was terrified — and lesser things have frightened me!

————————

à moins de locution prépositionnelle

1. [excepté]

à moins d'un miracle short of ou barring a miracle

nous n'arriverons pas à temps, à moins de partir demain we won't get there on time unless we leave tomorrow

2. [pour moins de] for less than

3. [dans le temps, l'espace]

il habite à moins de 10 minutes/500 mètres d'ici he lives less than 10 minutes/500 metres from here

————————

à moins que locution conjonctive

unless

à moins que vous ne vouliez le faire vous-même... unless you wanted to do it yourself...

————————

au moins locution adverbiale

1. [en tout cas] at least

2. [au minimum] at least

ça fait au moins un mois qu'on ne l'a pas vu we haven't seen him for at least a month

————————

de moins locution adverbiale

il y a 100 euros de moins dans le tiroir there are 100 euros missing from the drawer

je me sens 10 ans de moins I feel 10 years younger

(en corrélation avec 'que')

j'ai un an de moins qu'elle I'm a year younger than her

j'ai une tête de moins qu'elle I'm shorter than her by a head

de moins en moins locution adverbiale

less and less

de moins en moins souvent less and less often

de moins en moins de locution déterminante

[suivi d'un nom comptable] fewer and fewer

[suivi d'un nom non comptable] less and less

il y a de moins en moins de demande pour ce produit there is less and less demand for this product

————————

des moins locution adverbiale

un accueil des moins chaleureux a less than warm welcome

————————

du moins locution adverbiale

at least

ils devaient venir samedi, c'est du moins ce qu'ils nous avaient dit they were supposed to come on saturday, at least that's what they told us

————————

en moins locution adverbiale

il y a une chaise en moins there's one chair missing, we're one chair short

————————

en moins de locution prépositionnelle

in less than

en moins de temps qu'il n'en faut pour le dire before you can say Jack Robinson

en moins de rien in no time at all

en moins de deux (familier) in a jiffy, in two ticks

————————

moins de locution déterminante

1. (comparatif) [avec un nom comptable] fewer

[avec un nom non comptable] less

un peu moins de bruit! a little less noise!

il a moins de 18 ans he's under 18

les moins de 18 ans the under 18's

il ne me faudra pas moins de 3 heures pour tout faire I'll need no less than ou at the very least 3 hours to do everything

2. (superlatif)

le moins de

a. [avec un nom comptable] the fewest

b. [avec un nom non comptable] the least

c'est ce qui consomme le moins d'énergie it uses the least amount of energy

————————

moins... moins locution correlative

the less... the less

moins il travaillera, moins il aura de chances de réussir à son examen the less he works, the less chance he'll have of passing his exam

————————

moins... plus locution correlative

the less... the more

————————

moins que rien locution adverbiale

next to nothing

————————

moins que rien nom masculin et féminin

nobody

c'est un/une moins que rien he's/she's a nobody

des moins que rien a useless bunch (of individuals)

on ne peut moins locution adverbiale

elle est on ne peut moins honnête she's as honest as they come

c'est on ne peut moins compliqué! it couldn't be less complicated!

pour le moins locution adverbiale

at the very least, to say the least

il y a pour le moins une heure d'attente there's an hour's wait at the very least

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais > moins

11 algo

adv.

1 a bit (un poco).

es algo más grande it's a bit bigger

2 somewhat, a little bit, sort of, some.

pron.

1 something (alguna cosa).

¿te pasa algo? is anything the matter?

algo es algo something is better than nothing

algo así, algo por el estilo something like that

algo así como… something like…

por algo lo habrá dicho he must have said it for a reason

2 a bit, a little (cantidad pequeña).

algo de some

3 something (cosa importante).

se cree que es algo he thinks he's something (special)

* * *

algo

► pronombre

1 (afirmación) something; (negación, interrogación) anything

■ vamos a tomar algo let's have something to drink

■ ¿quieres algo? do you want anything?

■ ¿pasa algo? is anything wrong?, is anything the matter?

■ ¿queda algo de café? is there any coffee left?

► adverbio

1 (un poco) a bit, a little, somewhat

■ te queda algo grande it's a bit too big for you

\

FRASEOLOGÍA

algo así something like that

algo es algo something is better than nothing

* * *
1. pron.
something, anything

- algo de
2. adv.
somewhat, rather

* * *

1. PRON

1) [en oraciones afirmativas] something

estaba buscando algo más barato — I was looking for something cheaper

-¿no habéis comido nada? -sí, algo hemos picado — "haven't you eaten anything?" - "yes, we've had a little snack"

• algo así, es músico o algo así — he's a musician or something like that

dura algo así como tres horas — it's about three hours long

• algo de, tuve algo de miedo — I was a bit scared

sé algo de inglés — I know a little English

nos dieron algo de comer — they gave us something to eat

hay algo de verdad en lo que dicen — there is some truth in what they say

tenía algo de revolucionario — there was something of the revolutionary in him

tengo algo de prisa — I'm in a bit of a hurry

tienen algo de razón — they are right to a certain extent o in a way

• en algo, queríamos ser útiles en algo — we wanted to be of some use

se ha cambiado en algo el plan — the plan has been changed slightly

las dos hermanas se parecen en algo — there is a certain likeness between the two sisters

• estar en algo — (=implicado) to be involved in sth; Ven ** to be high on sth

• llegar a ser algo — to be something

• tomar algo — [de beber] to have a drink; [de comer] to have a bite (to eat)

¿quieres tomarte algo? — would you like a drink?

• llegamos a las tres y algo — we arrived at three something

al nacer pesó tres kilos y algo — she weighed just over three kilos at birth

- algo es algo

- creerse algo

darle algo a algn * —

casi me da algo cuando falló el penalti — I nearly died when he missed the penalty

si no deja de comer dulces un día le va a dar algo — if he doesn't stop eating sweet things something will happen to him one day

- cuando le da por algo...

- por algo será

si lo dice el director, por algo será — if the manager says so, he must have his reasons o there must be a reason for it

ya es algo —

ha logrado un estilo propio, lo que ya es algo — she has achieved her own style, which is quite something

2) [en oraciones interrogativas, condicionales] [gen] anything; [esperando respuesta afirmativa] something

¿hay algo para mí? — is there anything o something for me?

¿puedes darme algo? — can you give me something?

¿le has dado algo más de dinero? — have you given him any more money?

¿no le habrá pasado algo? — nothing has happened to him, has it?

2. ADV

1) [con adjetivo] rather, a little

estos zapatos son algo incómodos — these shoes are rather o a little uncomfortable

puede parecer algo ingenuo — he may seem slightly o rather o a little o somewhat frm naive

2) [con verbos] a little

me recuerda algo a mi padre — he reminds me a little of my father

la inflación ha subido algo más de dos puntos — inflation has gone up by a little over two points

3. SM

1)

• un algo, tiene un algo que atrae — there's something attractive about him o there's something about him that's attractive

había un algo de tristeza en su expresión — there was something sad in his expression

2) Col mid-afternoon snack
see ALGUNO, ALGO
* * *
I
pronombre

a) something; (en frases interrogativas, condicionales, etc) anything; ( esperando respuesta afirmativa) something

quiero decirte algo — I want to tell you something

si llegara a pasarle algo — if anything happened to her

¿quieres algo de beber? — do you want something o anything to drink?

por algo será — there must be some o a reason

le va a dar algo — he'll have a fit

algo así — something like that

algo es algo — it's better than nothing

eso ya es algo — at least that's something

sé algo de francés — I know some French

¿queda algo de pan? — is there any bread left?

hay algo de cierto en eso — there's some truth in that

b) ( en aproximaciones)

serán las once y algo — it must be some time after eleven

pesa tres kilos y algo — it weighs three kilos and a bit

es enfermera o algo así — she's a nurse or something like that

tendrá algo así como 30 años — she must be about 30
II
adverbio a little, slightly

son algo parecidos — they're somewhat similar

¿te duele? - algo — does it hurt? - a little o a bit
III
masculino

1)

a)

un algo — ( un no sé qué) something

si no llega pronto me va a dar algo — if he doesn't turn up soon, I'll go mad

tiene un algo que me recuerda a su madre — she has something of her mother about her

b) ( un poco)

hay un algo de verdad en eso — there is some truth in that

2) (Col) ( merienda) mid-afternoon snack

* * *

= anything, somewhat, something, business [businesses, -pl.], kinda [kind of], something or other.

Nota: Expresión utilizada para indicar que nos estamos refiriendo a cualquier cosa o a algo concreto de lo que no nos acordamos muy bien.

Ex. It may or may not be too late to do anything about it.

Ex. Both definitions have common roots, but their perspectives differ somewhat, the second definition being slightly broader in scope.

Ex. Bibliographic coupling is based on the idea that two articles which both cite another earlier article must have something in common; if they both cite two earlier articles, the linking is increased; while if their bibliographies had half a dozen earlier articles in common we should be justified in assuming that they covered very much the same subject.

Ex. I think this whole business about whether punctuation is obtrusive or not is quite honestly not worth discussing.

Ex. This paper examines colloquial contractions (spelling variants such as ' kinda' and 'hafta') against a background of other variations in the English writing system.

Ex. The article is entitled 'Participatory something or other through bargaining'.

----

* algas = algae.

* algo absurdo = nonsense.

* Algo a cargo de una sola persona = one-person operation.

* algo anda mal = something is amiss.

* algo antiestético = a blot on the landscape.

* algo así como = something like.

* algo banal = frill.

* algo básico = necessity.

* algo bueno = a good thing.

* algo bueno aportará = something is bound to come of it.

* algo casi seguro = a sure bet, safe bet.

* algo concreto = that certain something.

* algo demoledor = steamroller.

* Algo desacertado = infelicity.

* Algo desafortunado = infelicity.

* algo desagradable a la vista = a blot on the landscape.

* algo desconocido = virgin territory.

* algo diferente = something else.

* algo diferente de = something other than.

* algo difícil = tall order.

* algo digno de contemplar = a sight to behold.

* algo digno de ver = a sight to behold.

* algo distinto de = something other than.

* algo diverto que hacer = fun thing to do.

* algo en particular = that certain something.

* algo esencial = essential.

* algo es seguro = one thing is for sure.

* algo estúpido = no-brainer.

* algo estúpido, persona estúpida, algo fácil, algo obvio = no-brainer.

* algo extra = frill.

* algo fácil = no-brainer.

* Algo falso = hoax.

* algo grabado en piedra = tablet of stone.

* algo hecho rápidamente = quickie.

* algo impostergable = a matter of urgency.

* algo inaplazable = a matter of urgency.

* algo incompatible = a square peg in a round hole.

* algo insignificante = just a little dot.

* algo instintivo = gut feeling, gut instinct.

* algo inútil = a dead dog.

* algo irrelevante = irrelevance.

* algo mal visto = dirty word.

* algo maravilloso pero pasajero = a nine days wonder.

* algo más = anything else.

* algo más de = more of.

* algo minúsculo = just a little dot.

* algo muy agradable de oír = music to + Posesivo + ears.

* algo muy diferente de = a far cry from.

* algo muy difícil = a tough sell.

* algo muy distinto de = a far cry from.

* algo muy socorrido = standby [stand-by].

* algo muy valioso = nugget.

* algo obvio = no-brainer.

* algo opcional = extra.

* algo para picar = finger food.

* algo parecido = suchlike.

* Algo por lo que se puede cobrar = billable.

* Algo que ahorra tiempo = time saver [timesaver].

* Algo que es prescindible = inessential.

* algo que estropea el paisaje = a blot on the landscape.

* algo que rompe la armonía = a blot on the landscape.

* Algo que se hace para matar el tiempo = time filler.

* Algo que se le va tomando el gusto con el tiempo = acquired taste.

* algo recién llegado = latecomer [late-comer].

* algo seguro = safe bet.

* algo sensacional = show-stopper [showstopper].

* algo superfluo = frill.

* algo urgente = rush on, a matter of urgency.

* algo va mal = something is amiss.

* algo visceral = gut feeling, gut instinct.

* algo ya muy conocido y usado = old nag.

* andar tramando algo malo = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* conseguir algo de = get + something out of.

* convertirse en algo normal = become + standard practice, settle into + the norm.

* estar haciendo algo que no se debe = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* estar tramando algo malo = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* haber algo raro con = there + be + something fishy going on with.

* haber algo sospechoso con = there + be + something fishy going on with.

* hacer algo alocado = do + something footloose and fancy-free.

* hacer algo al respecto = do + something about it.

* hacer algo con respecto a = do + something about.

* merecerse algo = deserve + a little something.

* o algo así = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature.

* o algo parecido = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature, or anything like that, or words to that effect.

* o algo similar = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature, or words to that effect.

* obtener algo de = get + something out of.

* pasar algo inesperado = things + take a turn for the unexpected.

* por si sirve de algo = for what it's worth [FWIW].

* preparar algo = put + a few things + together.

* quien algo quiere algo le cuesta = no pain, no gain.

* relativo a las algas = algal.

* se obtendrá algo de provecho = something is bound to come of it.

* ser algo bien conocido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.

* ser algo bueno = be a good thing.

* ser algo completamente distinto = be nothing of the sort.

* ser algo común = be a fact of life, be a common occurrence, become + a common feature, be a part of life.

* ser algo excepcional = be the exception rather than the rule, be in a league of its own.

* ser algo fácil = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* ser algo facilísimo = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* ser algo habitual = become + a common feature, be a fact of life.

* ser algo inevitable = the (hand)writing + be + on the wall, see it + coming.

* ser algo (muy) bien sabido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.

* ser algo muy claro = be a dead giveaway.

* ser algo muy obvio = be a dead giveaway.

* ser algo muy poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo muy raro = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo natural para = come + naturally to, be second nature to + Pronombre.

* ser algo normal = be a fact of life, become + a common feature, be a part of life.

* ser algo permanente = be here to stay.

* ser algo poco común = be the exception rather than the rule.

* ser algo poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo por lo que = be a matter for/of.

* ser algo que no ocurre con frecuencia = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo seguro = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* sonsacar algo de = get + something out of.

* tener algo en contra de = have + something against.

* tener algo que ver con = have + something to do with.

* tener algo reservado = have + something up + Posesivo + sleeve.

* todo cuesta algo = nothing comes without a cost.

* traerse algo malo entre manos = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* * *
I
pronombre

a) something; (en frases interrogativas, condicionales, etc) anything; ( esperando respuesta afirmativa) something

quiero decirte algo — I want to tell you something

si llegara a pasarle algo — if anything happened to her

¿quieres algo de beber? — do you want something o anything to drink?

por algo será — there must be some o a reason

le va a dar algo — he'll have a fit

algo así — something like that

algo es algo — it's better than nothing

eso ya es algo — at least that's something

sé algo de francés — I know some French

¿queda algo de pan? — is there any bread left?

hay algo de cierto en eso — there's some truth in that

b) ( en aproximaciones)

serán las once y algo — it must be some time after eleven

pesa tres kilos y algo — it weighs three kilos and a bit

es enfermera o algo así — she's a nurse or something like that

tendrá algo así como 30 años — she must be about 30
II
adverbio a little, slightly

son algo parecidos — they're somewhat similar

¿te duele? - algo — does it hurt? - a little o a bit
III
masculino

1)

a)

un algo — ( un no sé qué) something

si no llega pronto me va a dar algo — if he doesn't turn up soon, I'll go mad

tiene un algo que me recuerda a su madre — she has something of her mother about her

b) ( un poco)

hay un algo de verdad en eso — there is some truth in that

2) (Col) ( merienda) mid-afternoon snack

* * *

= anything, somewhat, something, business [businesses, -pl.], kinda [kind of], something or other.

Nota: Expresión utilizada para indicar que nos estamos refiriendo a cualquier cosa o a algo concreto de lo que no nos acordamos muy bien.

Ex: It may or may not be too late to do anything about it.

Ex: Both definitions have common roots, but their perspectives differ somewhat, the second definition being slightly broader in scope.

Ex: Bibliographic coupling is based on the idea that two articles which both cite another earlier article must have something in common; if they both cite two earlier articles, the linking is increased; while if their bibliographies had half a dozen earlier articles in common we should be justified in assuming that they covered very much the same subject.

Ex: I think this whole business about whether punctuation is obtrusive or not is quite honestly not worth discussing.

Ex: This paper examines colloquial contractions (spelling variants such as ' kinda' and 'hafta') against a background of other variations in the English writing system.

Ex: The article is entitled 'Participatory something or other through bargaining'.

* algas = algae.

* algo absurdo = nonsense.

* Algo a cargo de una sola persona = one-person operation.

* algo anda mal = something is amiss.

* algo antiestético = a blot on the landscape.

* algo así como = something like.

* algo banal = frill.

* algo básico = necessity.

* algo bueno = a good thing.

* algo bueno aportará = something is bound to come of it.

* algo casi seguro = a sure bet, safe bet.

* algo concreto = that certain something.

* algo demoledor = steamroller.

* Algo desacertado = infelicity.

* Algo desafortunado = infelicity.

* algo desagradable a la vista = a blot on the landscape.

* algo desconocido = virgin territory.

* algo diferente = something else.

* algo diferente de = something other than.

* algo difícil = tall order.

* algo digno de contemplar = a sight to behold.

* algo digno de ver = a sight to behold.

* algo distinto de = something other than.

* algo diverto que hacer = fun thing to do.

* algo en particular = that certain something.

* algo esencial = essential.

* algo es seguro = one thing is for sure.

* algo estúpido = no-brainer.

* algo estúpido, persona estúpida, algo fácil, algo obvio = no-brainer.

* algo extra = frill.

* algo fácil = no-brainer.

* Algo falso = hoax.

* algo grabado en piedra = tablet of stone.

* algo hecho rápidamente = quickie.

* algo impostergable = a matter of urgency.

* algo inaplazable = a matter of urgency.

* algo incompatible = a square peg in a round hole.

* algo insignificante = just a little dot.

* algo instintivo = gut feeling, gut instinct.

* algo inútil = a dead dog.

* algo irrelevante = irrelevance.

* algo mal visto = dirty word.

* algo maravilloso pero pasajero = a nine days wonder.

* algo más = anything else.

* algo más de = more of.

* algo minúsculo = just a little dot.

* algo muy agradable de oír = music to + Posesivo + ears.

* algo muy diferente de = a far cry from.

* algo muy difícil = a tough sell.

* algo muy distinto de = a far cry from.

* algo muy socorrido = standby [stand-by].

* algo muy valioso = nugget.

* algo obvio = no-brainer.

* algo opcional = extra.

* algo para picar = finger food.

* algo parecido = suchlike.

* Algo por lo que se puede cobrar = billable.

* Algo que ahorra tiempo = time saver [timesaver].

* Algo que es prescindible = inessential.

* algo que estropea el paisaje = a blot on the landscape.

* algo que rompe la armonía = a blot on the landscape.

* Algo que se hace para matar el tiempo = time filler.

* Algo que se le va tomando el gusto con el tiempo = acquired taste.

* algo recién llegado = latecomer [late-comer].

* algo seguro = safe bet.

* algo sensacional = show-stopper [showstopper].

* algo superfluo = frill.

* algo urgente = rush on, a matter of urgency.

* algo va mal = something is amiss.

* algo visceral = gut feeling, gut instinct.

* algo ya muy conocido y usado = old nag.

* andar tramando algo malo = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* conseguir algo de = get + something out of.

* convertirse en algo normal = become + standard practice, settle into + the norm.

* estar haciendo algo que no se debe = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* estar tramando algo malo = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* haber algo raro con = there + be + something fishy going on with.

* haber algo sospechoso con = there + be + something fishy going on with.

* hacer algo alocado = do + something footloose and fancy-free.

* hacer algo al respecto = do + something about it.

* hacer algo con respecto a = do + something about.

* merecerse algo = deserve + a little something.

* o algo así = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature.

* o algo parecido = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature, or anything like that, or words to that effect.

* o algo similar = or something of that sort, or something to that effect, or something of that nature, or words to that effect.

* obtener algo de = get + something out of.

* pasar algo inesperado = things + take a turn for the unexpected.

* por si sirve de algo = for what it's worth [FWIW].

* preparar algo = put + a few things + together.

* quien algo quiere algo le cuesta = no pain, no gain.

* relativo a las algas = algal.

* se obtendrá algo de provecho = something is bound to come of it.

* ser algo bien conocido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.

* ser algo bueno = be a good thing.

* ser algo completamente distinto = be nothing of the sort.

* ser algo común = be a fact of life, be a common occurrence, become + a common feature, be a part of life.

* ser algo excepcional = be the exception rather than the rule, be in a league of its own.

* ser algo fácil = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* ser algo facilísimo = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* ser algo habitual = become + a common feature, be a fact of life.

* ser algo inevitable = the (hand)writing + be + on the wall, see it + coming.

* ser algo (muy) bien sabido que = it + be + a (well)-known fact that.

* ser algo muy claro = be a dead giveaway.

* ser algo muy obvio = be a dead giveaway.

* ser algo muy poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo muy raro = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo natural para = come + naturally to, be second nature to + Pronombre.

* ser algo normal = be a fact of life, become + a common feature, be a part of life.

* ser algo permanente = be here to stay.

* ser algo poco común = be the exception rather than the rule.

* ser algo poco conocido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo poco frecuente = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo poco sabido que = it + be + a little known fact that.

* ser algo por lo que = be a matter for/of.

* ser algo que no ocurre con frecuencia = be a rare occurrence.

* ser algo seguro = be a cinch, be a doddle, be a breeze, be a picnic, be duck soup.

* sonsacar algo de = get + something out of.

* tener algo en contra de = have + something against.

* tener algo que ver con = have + something to do with.

* tener algo reservado = have + something up + Posesivo + sleeve.

* todo cuesta algo = nothing comes without a cost.

* traerse algo malo entre manos = be up to no good, get up to + no good.

* * *

algo¹ [ Grammar notes (Spanish) ]

pronoun

1 something; (en frases interrogativas, condicionales, etc) anything; (esperando respuesta afirmativa) something

algo le debe haber molestado something must have upset her

si llegara a pasarle algo, no me lo perdonaría if anything happened to her, I'd never forgive myself

¿quieres algo de beber? do you want something o anything to drink?

si no te creyó, por algo será if he didn't believe you there must be some o a reason

quiero que llegues a ser algo I want you to be somebody

le va a dar algo cuando lo vea he'll have a fit ( o go crazy etc) when he sees it

algo así something like that

algo es algo it's better than nothing

que esté arrepentido ya es algo he's sorry, that's something at least

algo DE algo:

¿queda algo de pan? is there any bread left?

hay algo de cierto en lo que dice there's some truth in what he says

2

(en aproximaciones): serán las once y algo it must be some time after eleven

pesa tres kilos y algo it weighs three kilos and a bit, it weighs just over three kilos

algo²

adverb

a little, slightly

se siente algo cansada she feels slightly o a little tired

son algo parecidos they're somewhat similar

es algo más caro, pero es mejor it's slightly o a little o a bit more expensive, but it is better

¿te duele? — algo does it hurt? — a little o a bit

algo³

masculine

A

1

un algo (un no sé qué) something

tiene un algo que me recuerda a su madre she has something of her mother about her

2

(un poco): hay un algo de verdad en lo que dice there's a grain of truth o some truth in what she says

B ( Col) (merienda) mid-afternoon snack, tea ( BrE)

* * *

algo 1 pronombre
a) something;

(en frases interrogativas, condicionales, etc) anything;
( esperando respuesta afirmativa) something;
◊ quiero decirte algo I want to tell you something;

si llegara a pasarle algo if anything happened to her;
¿quieres algo de beber? do you want something o anything to drink?;
por algo será there must be some o a reason;
le va a dar algo he'll have a fit;
o algo así or something like that;
eso ya es algo at least that's something;
sé algo de francés I know some French;
¿queda algo de pan? is there any bread left?
b) ( en aproximaciones):

◊ serán las once y algo it must be some time after eleven;

pesa tres kilos y algo it weighs three kilos and a bit
algo 2 adverbio
a little, slightly;
◊ está algo nublado it's a bit cloudy;

es algo para ti it's a bit too big for you
algo
I pron indef
1 (afirmativo) something
(interrogativo) anything: su padre es arquitecto o algo así, his father is an architect or something like that
¿algo más?, anything else?
si tu madre te ha reñido, por algo será, if your mother has told you off, there must be a reason for it
familiar me pagan poco, pero algo es algo, they don't pay me much, but it's better than nothing
2 (cantidad pequeña) some, a little: ¿queda algo de comer?, is there any food left?
II adv (un poco) quite, somewhat: me encuentro algo cansado, I'm feeling rather tired

' algo' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
A
- acabar
- achicharrar
- acoger
- acostumbrada
- acostumbrado
- actitud
- actual
- alcanzar
- alisar
- almohada
- almorzar
- alquilar
- alrededor
- amagar
- añales
- aparecer
- apestar
- aprender
- así
- asociarse
- aspirar
- atinar
- atravesada
- atravesado
- aunar
- bajar
- bala
- bambolearse
- bandeja
- beneficiarse
- blanca
- blanco
- bombera
- bombero
- broma
- buena
- bueno
- cábala
- cacarear
- cazar
- cachondeo
- calentar
- canela
- cantar
- cantada
- cantado
- capaz
- cara
- carecer
English:
about
- access
- acclimatized
- account
- accountable
- accustom
- acquaint
- acquit
- acting
- action
- actual
- addicted
- advance
- advantage
- advice
- afraid
- again
- agree
- ahead
- aim
- aim at
- aim to
- all-out
- allow
- allowance
- amenable
- amends
- amiss
- anathema
- angry
- anxious
- any
- anything
- apologize
- appal
- appall
- appeal
- arrange
- as
- ask
- ask for
- assess
- assessment
- associate
- at
- attempt
- attest
- authorize
- away
- ax

* * *

algo

♦ pron

1. [alguna cosa] something;
[en interrogativas] anything;
algo de comida/bebida something to eat/drink;

algo para leer something to read;

¿necesitas algo para el viaje? do you need anything for your journey?;

¿te pasa algo? is anything the matter?;

deben ser las diez y algo it must be gone ten o'clock;

pagaron dos millones y algo they paid over two million;

algo así, algo por el estilo something like that;

algo así como… something like…;

por algo lo habrá dicho he must have said it for a reason;

si se ofende, por algo será if she's offended, there must be a reason for it;

Comp

algo es algo something is better than nothing

2. [cantidad pequeña] a bit, a little;

algo de some;

habrá algo de comer, pero es mejor que vengas cenado there will be some food, but it would be best if you had dinner before coming;

¿has bebido cerveza? – algo did you drink any beer? – a bit

3. Fam [ataque]
te va a dar algo como sigas trabajando así you'll make yourself ill if you go on working like that;

¡a mí me va a dar algo! [de risa] I'm going to injure myself o Br do myself an injury (laughing)!;
[de enfado] this is going to drive me mad!
4. [cosa importante] something;

si quieres llegar a ser algo if you ever want to be anybody, if you ever want to get anywhere;

se cree que es algo he thinks he's something (special)

♦ adv
[un poco] a bit;
es algo más grande it's a bit bigger;

estoy algo cansado de vuestra actitud I'm rather o somewhat tired of your attitude;

se encuentra algo mejor she's a bit o slightly better;

necesito dormir algo I need to get some sleep

♦ nm

1.
un algo [cosa indeterminada] something;

esa película tiene un algo especial that film has something special

2. Col [refrigerio] refreshment;

tomar el algo to have a snack [between meals]

* * *

algo

I pron

1 en frases afirmativas something;

algo es algo it’s something, it’s better than nothing;

o algo así or something like that;

unas 5.000 personas o algo así 5,000 or so people, 5,000 people more or less;

por algo será there must be a reason

2 en frases interrogativas o condicionales anything

II adv rather, somewhat

* * *

algo adv

: somewhat, rather

es simpático, pero algo tacaño: he's nice but rather stingy

algo pron

1) : something

2)

algo de : some, a little

tengo algo de dinero: I've got some money

* * *

algo¹ adv rather / a bit

estoy algo nervioso I'm rather nervous

ya está algo mejor she's a bit better

algo² pron

1. (en frases afirmativas) something

tengo que decirte algo I've got something to tell you

2. (en frases interrogativas) anything

¿quiere algo más, señora? would you like anything else, madam?

¿pasa algo? is anything wrong?

3. (cantidad indeterminada) some / any

¿me dejas algo de dinero? can you lend me some money

algo así something like that

algo es algo something is better than nothing

por algo será there must be a reason

tomar algo to have a drink

Spanish-English dictionary > algo

12 klein

I Adj.

1. small (auch kleingewachsen); bes. attr. und gefühlsbetont: little; (winzig) tiny; Finger, Zehe: little; Buchstabe: small; ein rundlicher kleiner Mann a chubby little man; sie ist von uns allen die Kleinste she is the smallest of us; als ich noch klein war when I was a little boy ( oder girl); er ist doch noch klein he’s only small ( oder a child); zu einem Kind: he’s much smaller than you, remember; von klein auf from an early age, since childhood, since I was etc. a child; kleine Augen haben (müde aussehen) look tired; da wurde er ganz klein fig. that cut him down to size; (er schwieg dann) that shut him up; könnt ihr euch klein machen? fig. can you make yourselves thin ( oder squeeze up a bit) ?

2. (unbedeutend) small ( auch Stimme); Fehler, Vergehen etc.: little, minor; kleine Rolle small ( oder bit) part; kleiner Bauer / Geschäftsmann small farmer / businessman; seine kleinen Intrigen / Launen his little intrigues / moods; es ist ein kleiner Anfang it’s just a start; der kleine Mann the man in the street; kleine Leute ordinary people; aus kleinen Verhältnissen stammen come from a humble background; und er hat daran kein kleines Verdienst and it’s no small thanks to him

3. (jünger) little, younger; mein kleiner Bruder my little ( oder younger) brother

4. Pause, Unterbrechung etc.: short, brief

5. (gering) small; auf kleiner Flamme kochen cook on a low flame

6. im Kleinen on a small scale, engS. in miniature; bis ins Kleinste down to the last detail

7. MUS.: kleine Terz etc. minor third etc.

8. in Wendungen: umg.: es klein haben (Betrag) have the right change; klein, aber fein good things come in small packages; klein, aber oho! umg. a mighty midget, Person: auch a pocket dynamo; Geschäft 6, Übel

II Adv.

1. small; klein gedruckt in small print; siehe auch Kleingedruckte; klein gemustert with a small pattern, small-patterned; klein gehackt finely chopped; klein hacken chop (up) fine; klein machen (Holz) chop up; (Geldschein) change; klein schneiden (Holz, Fleisch etc.) cut up into small pieces; ( auf) klein drehen / stellen (Herd etc.) turn down, put on low; den Benzinverbrauch klein halten keep fuel consumption low, keep down fuel consumption

2. fig.: klein anfangen start off small, start from small beginnings; klein beigeben give in; klein denken be small-minded; Höflichkeit etc. wird bei ihr klein geschrieben politeness etc. is not one of her priorities; klein machen Kinderspr. do number one

* * *

short; little; small; exiguous; slight; faint; petit; runty; wee; diminutive; tiny; petty

* * *
[klain]
1. adj

1) little, small; Finger little; Format, Gehalt, Rente, Zahl, (Hand)schrift, Buchstabe small; (MUS ) Terz minor

die Kleinen Antillen etc — the lesser Antilles etc

Klein Paris — little or miniature Paris

der Kleine Bär or Wagen — the Little Bear, Ursa Minor

die Kleine Strafkammer (Jur) — the lower criminal court

x ist kléíner als 10 (Math) — x is less than ten

haben Sie es nicht kléíner? — don't you have anything smaller?

ein kléín bisschen or wenig — a little (bit)

ein kléín bisschen or wenig Salat — a little (bit of) salad

ein kléínes Bier, ein Kleines (inf) — a small beer, ≈ half a pint (Brit), ≈ a half (Brit)

kléínes Geld — small change

Klein Roland — little Roland

du kléíner Teufel! — you little devil!

ein süßes kléínes Püppchen — a sweet little thing

hallo, kléíner Mann! — hello, little man

ein schönes kléínes Auto — a nice little car

er fährt ein kléínes Auto — he drives a small car

mit seiner kléínen Frau — with his little wife

ich wusste nicht, dass seine Frau so kléín ist — I didn't know his wife was so small or little

eine kléíne, hübsche Wohnung — a small, pretty flat (Brit) or apartment

eine hübsche kléíne Wohnung — a nice little flat (Brit) or apartment

mein kléíner Bruder — my little brother

er ist kléíner als sein Bruder — he's smaller than his brother

als ich ( noch) kléín war — when I was little

kléín für sein Alter — small or little for his age

macht euch ein bisschen kléíner! — squeeze up closer

den mach ich SO kléín (mit Hut)! (hum) — I'll cut him down to size, I'll make him look THAT big

kléín aber oho (inf) — small but impressive

ganz kléín (und hässlich) werden (inf) — to look humiliated or deflated

im Kleinen — in miniature

bis ins Kleinste — in every possible detail, in minute detail, right down to the smallest detail

kléíne Kinder kléíne Sorgen, große Kinder große Sorgen (prov) —

um ein Kleines zu... (geh) — a little or a trifle too...

See:

→ Finger, Geschenk

2) (= kurz) Wuchs, Schritt little, small, short; Weile, Pause little, short; Vortrag short

kléínen Augenblick, bitte! — just one moment, please

einen Kopf kléíner als jd sein — to be a head shorter than sb

3) (= geringfügig) little, small, slight; Betrag, Summe little, small

beim kléínsten Schreck — at the slightest or smallest shock

das kléínere Übel — the lesser evil

ein paar kléínere Fehler — a few minor mistakes

eine kléínere Unpässlichkeit — a minor ailment

4) (= unbedeutend) petty (pej); Leute ordinary

er ist ein kléíner Geist — he is small-minded

der kléíne Mann — the ordinary citizen, the man in the street

ein kléíner Ganove — a small-time or petty crook

die Kleinen fängt man or werden gehängt, die Großen lässt man laufen (prov) — it's always the big fish that get away

sein Vater war (ein) kléíner Beamter — his father was a minor civil servant

kléíne Leute übersieht man (hum) — I'm etc so small and insignificant

See:

→ Fisch

5) (= armselig) Verhältnisse humble, lowly, modest

6) Prüfung intermediate

2. adv

1) (= in kleiner Schrift) small

er schreibt sehr kléín — he writes very small, his writing is very small

ein Wort kléín drucken — to print a word without a capital

kléín gedruckt — in small print

kléín gemustert — small-patterned

kléín kariert (Stoff) — finely checked or chequered (Brit) or checkered (US)

See:

→ kleinkariert, kleinschreiben

2)

(auf kleine Hitze) etw kléín stellen or drehen — to put sth on low or on a low heat

etw kléíner stellen or drehen — to turn sth down

3)

(in Wendungen) kléín anfangen — to start off in a small way

kléín beigeben (inf) — to give in

kléín geraten sein (Gegenstand) — to have come out a little (too) small; (Mensch) to be a bit small

kléín gewachsen — short, small; (Baum) small

etw kléín halten (Anzahl, Kosten) — to keep sth down; (Party, Feier) to keep sth small

* * *

1) (small in size: He is only a little boy; when she was little (= a child).) little

2) (not tall; smaller than usual: a short man.) short

3) (little in size, degree, importance etc; not large or great: She was accompanied by a small boy of about six; There's only a small amount of sugar left; She cut the meat up small for the baby.) small

4) (not doing something on a large scale: He's a small businessman.) small

5) ((of the letters of the alphabet) not capital: The teacher showed the children how to write a capital G and a small g.) small

* * *

klein

[klain]

I. adj

1. (von geringer Größe) little, small; (emotional) little; Schrift small

sie fährt ein \kleines Auto she drives a small [or little] car

sie hat ein schnuckeliges \kleines Auto she's got a nice little car

er ist ein \kleiner Schlingel he's a little rascal

im \kleinen Format in a small format

▪ \klein geschnitten finely chopped

etw \klein hacken to chop up sth sep

\klein gehackte Zwiebeln finely chopped onions

im K\kleinen on a small scale

bis ins K\kleinste [right] down to the smallest detail, in minute detail

einen Kopf \kleiner sein als jd to be a head shorter than sb

[jdm] etw \klein machen (fam) to chop [or cut] up sth sep [for sb]

der \kleine Peter/die \kleine Anna little Peter/Anna

[jdm] etw \klein schneiden to cut up sth sep [into small pieces] [for sb]; s.a. Bier, Buchstabe, Finger, Terz, Zeh

2. (Kleidung) small

haben Sie das gleiche Modell auch in \kleiner? do you have the same style but in a size smaller?

▪ jdm zu \klein sein to be too small for sb

etw \kleiner machen to make sth smaller, to take in [or up] sth sep

3. (jung) small; (kleinwüchsig a.) short

sein \kleiner Bruder his little [or younger] brother

von \klein auf from childhood [or an early age

4. (kurz) short

ein \kleiner Vorsprung a short [or small] start

5. (kurz dauernd) short

eine \kleine Pause machen to have a short [or little] break

6. (geringe Menge, Anzahl) small

ein \klein[es] bisschen [o \klein wenig] a little bit

7. (geringer Betrag) small

ein \kleines Gehalt a small [or low] salary

8. (Wechselgeld) small

haben Sie es nicht \kleiner? haven't you got anything smaller?

9. (geringfügig) small

die \kleinste Bewegung the slightest movement

ein \kleiner Fehler/Verstoß a minor mistake/violation

eine \kleine Übelkeit a slight feeling of nausea

10. (unbedeutend) minor; (ungeachtet) lowly

er fing als \kleiner Portier in dem Hotel an his first job in the hotel was as a lowly porter

ein \kleiner Bauer a small farmer

ein \kleiner Ganove a petty [or small-time] crook

die \kleinen Leute ordinary people

aus \kleinen Verhältnissen stammen to come from a humble background

11. (erniedrigt) small

12. (weniger intensiv) low

etw \klein[er] drehen [o stellen] to turn down sth sep [or to turn sth lower

13. (in kleiner Schrift)

etw \klein schreiben to write sth in small letters

14. MATH

\kleinste Fehlerquadrate least error squares

\kleinster gemeinsamer Nenner lowest common denominator

\kleinstes gemeinsames Vielfaches lowest common multiple

15.

▶ \klein, aber fein small but sweet, quality rather than quantity a. hum

▶ im K\kleinen wie im Großen in little things as well as in big ones

▶ die K\kleinen [o \kleinen Gauner] hängt man, die Großen lässt man laufen (prov) the small fry get caught, while the big fish get away

▶ \klein, aber oho (fam) small but eminently capable [or he/she packs a powerful punch]; s.a. Fakultas, Latinum

II. adv

\klein gedruckt attr in small print pred

▶ \klein anfangen (fam: seine Karriere ganz unten beginnen) to start at the bottom; (mit ganz wenig beginnen) to start off in a small way

▶ \klein beigeben to give in [quietly]

▶ \klein machen (kindersprache) to do [or have] a wee[-wee] childspeak

* * *
1.
Adjektiv

1) little; small < format, letter>; little < finger, toe>; small, short < steps>

das Kleid ist mir zu klein — the dress is too small for me

ein kleines Bier — a small beer; ≈ a half[-pint]

sich klein machen — make oneself small

etwas klein hacken — chop something up [small]

etwas klein schneiden — cut something up small

Zwiebeln klein schneiden — chop up onions [small]

etwas klein machen — cut something up small; (ugs.): (aufbrauchen) get through or (sl.) blow something

auf kleinstem Raum — in the minimum of space

sie ist klein [von Gestalt/für ihr Alter] — she is small [in stature/for her age]

er ist [einen Kopf] kleiner als ich — he is [a head] shorter than me or shorter than I am [by a head]

im Kleinen — in miniature; on a small scale

klein, aber oho — he/she may be small, but he/she certainly makes up for it

klein, aber fein — little, but very nice

2) (jung) little <brother, sister>

als ich [noch] klein war — when I was small or little

für die Kleinen — for the little ones

von klein auf — from an early age; s. auch Kleine I, 2, III

3) (von kurzer Dauer) little, short < while>; short <walk, break>; short, brief <delay, introduction>; brief < moment>

4) (von geringer Menge) small <family, amount, audience, staff>; small, low < salary>; low < price>

kleines Geld haben — have some [small] change

einen Schein klein machen — (ugs.): (wechseln) change a note

kann mir jemand ein Fünfzigeuroschein klein machen? — (ugs.) can anyone give me change for a fifty-euro note?

haben Sie es klein? — (ugs.) do you have the right money?

kleiner habe ich es nicht — I don't have anything smaller

5) (von geringem Ausmaß) light < refreshment>; small < party, gift>; scant, little < attention>; slight <cold, indisposition>; slight, small <mistake, irregularity>; minor < event, error>

die kleinen Dinge des Alltags — the little everyday things

das kleinere Übel — the lesser evil; the lesser of the two evils

ein klein[es] bisschen — a little or tiny bit

ein klein wenig — a little bit

im Kleinen wie im Großen — in little things as well as in big ones

bis ins Kleinste — down to the smallest or tiniest detail

6) (unbedeutend) lowly <employee, sales assistant>; minor < official>

der kleine Mann — the ordinary citizen; the man in the street

die kleinen Leute — ordinary people; the man sing. in the street

klein anfangen — (ugs.) start off in a small way

7)

ganz klein [und hässlich] werden — become meek and subdued

8)

ein kleiner Geist — (engstirnig) a narrow-minded person; (beschränkt) a person of limited intellect
2.
adverbial

die Heizung klein/kleiner [ein]stellen — turn the heating down low/lower

klein gedruckt — in small print postpos.

das klein Gedruckte — the small print

klein gemustert — small-patterned

klein kariert — <skirt, shirt, etc.> with a small check

klein machen — (Kinderspr.) do number one

klein geschrieben werden — (ugs.) count for [very] little ( bei with); (child lang.); s. auch beigeben 2.

* * *

klein

A. adj

1. small (auch klein gewachsen); besonders attr und gefühlsbetont: little; (winzig) tiny; Finger, Zehe: little; Buchstabe: small;

ein rundlicher kleiner Mann a chubby little man;

sie ist von uns allen die Kleinste she is the smallest of us;

als ich noch klein war when I was a little boy ( oder girl);

er ist doch noch klein he’s only small ( oder a child); zu einem Kind: he’s much smaller than you, remember;

von klein auf from an early age, since childhood, since I was etc a child;

kleine Augen haben (müde aussehen) look tired;

da wurde er ganz klein fig that cut him down to size; (er schwieg dann) that shut him up

2. (unbedeutend) small (auch Stimme); Fehler, Vergehen etc: little, minor;

kleine Rolle small ( oder bit) part;

kleiner Bauer/Geschäftsmann small farmer/businessman;

seine kleinen Intrigen/Launen his little intrigues/moods;

es ist ein kleiner Anfang it’s just a start;

der kleine Mann the man in the street;

kleine Leute ordinary people;

aus kleinen Verhältnissen stammen come from a humble background;

und er hat daran kein kleines Verdienst and it’s no small thanks to him

3. (jünger) little, younger;

mein kleiner Bruder my little ( oder younger) brother

4. Pause, Unterbrechung etc: short, brief

5. (gering) small;

auf kleiner Flamme kochen cook on a low flame

6.

im Kleinen on a small scale, engS. in miniature;

bis ins Kleinste down to the last detail

7. MUS:

kleine Terz etc minor third etc

8. in Wendungen: umg:

es klein haben (Betrag) have the right change;

klein, aber fein good things come in small packages;

klein, aber oho! umg a mighty midget, Person: auch a pocket dynamo; → Geschäft 6, Übel

B. adv

1. small;

klein gedruckt in small print;

klein Gedruckte → Kleingedruckte;

klein gemustert with a small pattern, small-patterned;

klein gehackt finely chopped;

klein gewachsen small, short;

klein hacken chop (up) fine;

klein machen (Holz) chop up; umg (Vermögen etc) gobble up, get through;

klein schneiden (Holz, Fleisch etc) cut up into small pieces;

(auf) klein drehen/stellen (Herd etc) turn down, put on low

2. fig:

klein anfangen start off small, start from small beginnings;

klein beigeben give in;

klein machen kinderspr do number one

* * *
1.
Adjektiv

1) little; small <format, letter>; little <finger, toe>; small, short < steps>

das Kleid ist mir zu klein — the dress is too small for me

ein kleines Bier — a small beer; ≈ a half[-pint]

sich klein machen — make oneself small

etwas klein hacken — chop something up [small]

etwas klein schneiden — cut something up small

Zwiebeln klein schneiden — chop up onions [small]

etwas klein machen — cut something up small; (ugs.): (aufbrauchen) get through or (sl.) blow something

auf kleinstem Raum — in the minimum of space

sie ist klein [von Gestalt/für ihr Alter] — she is small [in stature/for her age]

er ist [einen Kopf] kleiner als ich — he is [a head] shorter than me or shorter than I am [by a head]

im Kleinen — in miniature; on a small scale

klein, aber oho — he/she may be small, but he/she certainly makes up for it

klein, aber fein — little, but very nice

2) (jung) little <brother, sister>

als ich [noch] klein war — when I was small or little

für die Kleinen — for the little ones

von klein auf — from an early age; s. auch Kleine I, 2, III

3) (von kurzer Dauer) little, short < while>; short <walk, break>; short, brief <delay, introduction>; brief < moment>

4) (von geringer Menge) small <family, amount, audience, staff>; small, low < salary>; low < price>

kleines Geld haben — have some [small] change

einen Schein klein machen — (ugs.): (wechseln) change a note

kann mir jemand ein Fünfzigeuroschein klein machen? — (ugs.) can anyone give me change for a fifty-euro note?

haben Sie es klein? — (ugs.) do you have the right money?

kleiner habe ich es nicht — I don't have anything smaller

5) (von geringem Ausmaß) light < refreshment>; small <party, gift>; scant, little < attention>; slight <cold, indisposition>; slight, small <mistake, irregularity>; minor <event, error>

die kleinen Dinge des Alltags — the little everyday things

das kleinere Übel — the lesser evil; the lesser of the two evils

ein klein[es] bisschen — a little or tiny bit

ein klein wenig — a little bit

im Kleinen wie im Großen — in little things as well as in big ones

bis ins Kleinste — down to the smallest or tiniest detail

6) (unbedeutend) lowly <employee, sales assistant>; minor < official>

der kleine Mann — the ordinary citizen; the man in the street

die kleinen Leute — ordinary people; the man sing. in the street

klein anfangen — (ugs.) start off in a small way

7)

ganz klein [und hässlich] werden — become meek and subdued

8)

ein kleiner Geist — (engstirnig) a narrow-minded person; (beschränkt) a person of limited intellect
2.
adverbial

die Heizung klein/kleiner [ein]stellen — turn the heating down low/lower

klein gedruckt — in small print postpos.

das klein Gedruckte — the small print

klein gemustert — small-patterned

klein kariert — <skirt, shirt, etc.> with a small check

klein machen — (Kinderspr.) do number one

klein geschrieben werden — (ugs.) count for [very] little ( bei with); (child lang.); s. auch beigeben 2.

* * *

adj.

little adj.

lower adj.

petite adj.

petty adj.

short adj.

slight adj.

small adj.

small-sized adj.

smallish adj.

wee adj.

Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch > klein

13 menos

adj.

1 less.

menos aire less air

menos manzanas fewer apples

menos… que… less/fewer… than…

tiene menos experiencia que tú she has less experience than you

hace menos calor que ayer it's not as hot as it was yesterday

hay dos libros de menos there are two books missing

me han dado 10 euros de menos they've given me 10 euros too little

2 the least.

el que compró menos acciones the one who bought the fewest shares

lo que menos tiempo llevó the thing that took the least time

la que menos nota sacó en el examen the girl who did (the) worst o got the worst marks in the exam

3 fewer.

adv.

1 less.

menos de/que less than

son menos de las diez it's not quite ten o'clock yet

2 minus (expresa resta).

tres menos dos igual a uno three minus two is one

3 to (con las horas). (peninsular Spanish, River Plate)

son las dos menos diez it's ten to two

son menos diez it's ten to

4 under.

prep.

1 except (for) (excepto).

todo menos eso anything but that

2 minus, less.

m. s.&pl.

minus (sign) (Mat).

* * *

menos

► adjetivo

1 (comparativo - en cantidad) less; (- en número) fewer

■ hoy hay menos gente there are fewer people today

■ viajar en tren cuesta menos dinero going by train costs less money

■ hay menos mesas que en el otro restaurante there are fewer tables than in the other restaurant

■ yo tengo menos años que tú I'm younger than you

2 (superlativo - de cantidad) least; (- de número) fewest

■ yo soy la que menos culpa tiene I'm the least guilty

► adverbio

1 (comparativo - de cantidad) less; (- de número) fewer

■ voy al gimnasio menos que antes I go to the gym less than before

■ vinieron menos de viente personas fewer than twenty people came

■ deberías ir menos deprisa you shouldn't go so fast

■ hay que conducir a menos de 100km/h one cannot drive over 100 km/h

2 (superlativo) least

■ es el menos guapo de toda la familia he's the least good-looking member of the family

3 (con horas) to

■ las tres menos cuarto a quarter to three

4 MATEMÁTICAS minus

■ cuatro menos dos, dos four minus two is two

► preposición

1 but, except

■ todo menos eso anything but that

■ todos fueron al cine menos Alberto everyone went to the cinema except Alberto

► pronombre

1 (cantidad) less; (número) fewer

■ me pagó menos he paid me less

■ esperaban a más de mil personas pero vinieron menos they were expecting over a thousand people but fewer came

► nombre masculino

1 MATEMÁTICAS minus sign

\

FRASEOLOGÍA

a menos que unless

al menos / a lo menos at least

aún menos much less

cada vez menos less and less

dar (dinero) de menos to short-change

en menos de nada in no time at all

eso es lo de menos that's the least of my worries

ir a menos to go down in the world

lo menos at least

■ lo menos que puedes hacer the least you can do

menos da una piedra something's better than nothing

¡menos mal! thank God!

¡ni mucho menos! far from it!

no ser para menos to be no wonder

para no ser menos so as not to be outdone

por lo menos at least

por menos de nada for no reason at all

qué menos que...... is the least somebody could do/could have done

si al menos... if only...

venirse a menos to come down in the world

¡ya será menos! come off it!

* * *
1. noun m.
minus sign
2. adj.
1) less, least

2) fewer, fewest
3. adv.
1) less

2) least

•

- a menos que
- por lo menos 4. prep.
1) except

2) minus
5. pron.
less, fewer

* * *

1. ADV

1) [comparativo] less

ahora salgo menos — I go out less these days

últimamente nos vemos menos — we've been seeing less of each other recently

me gusta cada vez menos — I like it less and less

una película menos conocida — a less well-known film

Juan está menos deprimido — Juan is less depressed

es menos difícil de lo que parece — it's less difficult than it seems

• menos aún — even less

este me gusta menos aún — I like this one even less

• menos de — [con sustantivos incontables, medidas, dinero, tiempo] less than; [con sustantivos contables] fewer than

está a menos de tres horas en tren — it's less than three hours away by train

llegamos en menos de diez minutos — we got there in less than o in under ten minutes

menos de lo que piensas — less than you think

tiene menos de dieciocho años — he's under eighteen

menos de 50 cajas — fewer than 50 boxes

• en menos de nada — in no time at all

por menos de nada — for no reason at all

• menos que — less than

me gusta menos que el otro — I like it less than the other one

trabaja menos que yo — he doesn't work as hard as I do

este es menos caro que aquel — this one is less expensive than that one

lo hizo menos cuidadosamente que ayer — he did it less carefully than yesterday

2) [superlativo] least

su película menos innovadora — his least innovative film

es el menos inteligente de los cuatro — he is the least intelligent of the four

el chico menos desobediente de la clase — the least disobedient boy in the class

es el que habla menos — he's the one who talks (the) least

fue el que trabajó menos — he was the one who did the least work

3)

• al menos — at least

hay al menos cien personas — there are at least a hundred people

si al menos lloviera — if only it would rain

• de menos, hay siete de menos — we're seven short, there are seven missing

me dieron un paquete con medio kilo de menos — they gave me a packet which was half a kilo short o under weight

me han pagado dos libras de menos — they have underpaid me by two pounds

darse de menos — to underestimate o.s.

hacer a algn de menos — to put sb down

• echar de menos a algn — to miss sb

• ir a menos — to come down in the world

• lo menos diez — at least ten

lo menos posible — as little as possible

es lo menos que se puede esperar — it's the least one can expect

• eso es lo de menos — that's the least of it

• ¡menos mal! — thank goodness!

¡menos mal que habéis venido! — thank goodness you've come!

• era nada menos que un rey — he was a king, no less

• no es para menos — quite right too

• por lo menos — at least

• ¡ qué menos!, -le di un euro de propina -¡qué menos! — "I tipped her a euro" - "that was the least you could do!"

¿qué menos que darle las gracias? — the least we can do is say thanks!

• quedarse en menos, no se quedó en menos — he was not to be outdone

• tener a menos hacer algo — to consider it beneath o.s. to do sth

• venir a menos — to come down in the world

• y menos, no quiero verle y menos visitarle — I don't want to see him, let alone visit him

• ¡ ya será menos! — come off it!
cuando 2., 2), poder
2. ADJ

1) [comparativo] [con sustantivos incontables, medidas, dinero, tiempo] less; [con sustantivos contables] fewer

menos harina — less flour

menos gatos — fewer cats

aquí hay menos gente — there are fewer people here

• menos... que, A tiene menos ventajas que B — A has fewer advantages than B

Ana tiene menos años que Carlos — Ana is younger than Carlos

no soy menos hombre que él — * I'm as much of a man as he is

este es menos coche que el anterior — * this is not as good a car as the last one

• ser menos que, ganaremos porque son menos que nosotros — we'll win because there are fewer of them than there are of us

para no ser menos que los vecinos — to keep up with the neighbours

2) [superlativo] [con sustantivos incontables, medidas, dinero, tiempo] least; [con sustantivos contables] fewest

el método que lleva menos tiempo — the method which takes (the) least time

es el que menos culpa tiene — he is the least to blame

el examen con menos errores — the exam paper with the fewest mistakes

3. PREP

1) (=excepto) except

todos menos él — everybody except him

¡todo menos eso! — anything but that!

2) (Mat) [para restar] minus, less

cinco menos dos — five minus o less two

siete menos dos (son) cinco — seven minus two is five

son las siete menos veinte — it's twenty to seven

4.

CONJ

• a menos que — unless

no iré a menos que me acompañes — I won't go unless you come with me

5. SM

1) (Mat) minus sign

2)

los menos — the minority

3)
más 1., 2)
* * *
I
adverbio

1) ( comparativo) less

cada vez estudia menos — she's studying less and less

ya me duele menos — it hurts less now

ahora lo vemos menos — we don't see him so often o we don't see so much of him now

no voy a ir, y menos aún con él — I'm not going, and certainly not with him

menos (...) que: un hallazgo no menos importante que éste a find which is no less important than this one; ella menos que nadie puede criticarte she of all people is in no position to criticize you; menos (...) de less than; pesa menos de 50 kilos it weighs less than o under 50 kilos; no lo haría por menos de cien mil I wouldn't do it for less than a hundred thousand; éramos menos de diez there were fewer than ten of us; los niños de menos de 7 años children under seven; es menos peligroso de lo que tú crees — it's not as dangerous as you think

2) ( superlativo) least

es la menos complicada — it is the least complicated one

éste es el menos pesado de los dos — this is the lighter of the two

es el que menos viene por aquí — he's the one who comes around least (often)

es el que menos me gusta — he's the one I like (the) least

se esfuerza lo menos posible — he makes as little effort as possible

es lo menos que podía hacer — it's the least I could do

cuando menos lo esperábamos — when we were least expecting it; para locs ver menos III 2)
II
adjetivo invariable

1) ( comparativo) ( en cantidad) less; ( en número) fewer

alimentos con menos fibra/calorías — food with less fiber/fewer calories

ya hace menos frío — it's not as o so cold now

recibimos cada vez menos pedidos — we are getting fewer and fewer orders

cuesta tres veces menos — it costs a third of the price

mide medio metro menos — it's half a meter shorter

menos (...) que: tengo menos tiempo que tú I haven't as o so much time as you; menos estudiantes que el año pasado fewer students than last year; yo no soy menos que él — he's no better than me

2) ( superlativo) ( en cantidad) least; ( en número) fewest

esos casos son los menos — cases like that are the exception
III
pronombre

1)

sírveme menos — don't give me so much, give me less

ya falta menos — it won't be long now

aprobaron menos que el año pasado — fewer passed than last year

2) (en locs)

al menos — at least

a menos que — unless

cuando menos — at least

de menos: me ha dado 100 pesos de menos you've given me 100 pesos too little; me has cobrado de menos you've undercharged me; lo menos (fam) at least; menos mal just as well, thank goodness; menos mal que no me oyó just as well o it's a good thing he didn't hear me; por lo menos at least; ir a menos to go downhill; ser lo de menos: eso es lo de menos, a mí lo que me preocupa es... that's the least of it, what worries me is...; la fecha es lo de menos the date is the least of our/their problems; tener a alguien en menos to feel somebody is beneath one; tener algo a menos to think something is beneath one o beneath one's dignity; venirse a menos — to come down in the world
IV
preposición

1) ( excepto)

firmaron todos menos Alonso — everybody but Alonso signed, everybody signed except o but Alonso

menos estos dos, todos están en venta — apart from o with the exception of these two, they are all for sale

tres latas de pintura, menos la que usé — three cans of paint, less what I used

2)

a) (Mat) (en restas, números negativos) minus

b) (Esp, RPl) ( en la hora)

son las cinco menos diez/cuarto — it's ten to five/(a) quarter to five

son menos veinte — it's twenty to
V
masculino minus sign

* * *

= least, less [lesser -comp., least -sup.], minus, but, less so.

Ex. Service to the whole community implies positive discrimination towards those who through social or educational deprivation are least adept at using information tools.

Ex. The role of analytical entries in an online catalogue is less clear.

Ex. Copies of records created by the libraries, minus local data, are added to the pool of cataloguing information available to users.

Ex. Rotundas were widely used for all but the most formal texts in the fifteenth century, but fell out of fashion during the sixteenth century, surviving longest in Spain.

Ex. Vellum remained popular on the continent, less so in England; while goatskin (morocco), although well established by this time for fine work, was seldom used in trade binding except for prayer books.

----

* al menos = at least, at the very least.

* a menos que = unless, short of.

* aproximadamente, más o menos = ballpark.

* area menos favorecida = less favoured area.

* cada vez menos = less and less.

* cuando menos te lo esperes = on any given Sunday.

* cuanto menos = at least, let alone, at best.

* dar menos de lo debido = shortchange.

* de menos del 10 por ciento = single digit, single figure.

* dentro de lo malo lo menos malo = the best of a bad lot.

* echar de menos = miss.

* echar muchísimo de menos = be sorely missed, be sadly missed.

* echar mucho de menos = be sorely missed, be sadly missed.

* el último pero no el menos importante = the last but by no means least.

* en todos menos en = in all but.

* en un futuro más o menos cercano = in the near future, in the near future.

* en un período más o menos lejano = in the near future, in the near future.

* estrella venida a menos = fallen star.

* figura venida a menos = fallen star.

* hacerlo todo menos = stop at + nothing short of.

* horas de menos aglomeración = off-peak times.

* lo menos posible = as little as possible.

* más o menos = more or less, of a sort, or so, of sorts, after a fashion, round about, roughly speaking, give or take.

* más o menos + Adverbio = relatively + Adverbio.

* más o menos cuadrado = squarish.

* menos aún = let alone.

* menos blandeces y más mano dura = less of the carrot, more of the stick, less of the carrot, more of the stick.

* menos conocido = lesser known.

* menos cultos, los = less literate, the.

* menos de + Cantidad = under + Cantidad, less than + Cantidad.

* menos de + Edad = on the right side of + Edad.

* menos desarrollado = less developed [less-developed].

* menos en = save in.

* menos en el caso de que = except when.

* menos favorecido = less-advantaged, less favoured [less favored].

* menos hecho = rarer.

* menos importante, el = least, the.

* menos probable = least likely, less likely.

* menos... que... = less... than....

* menos rápidos, los = less fleet of foot, the.

* menos sabido = lesser known.

* menos usado = less used.

* mucho menos = a great deal less, let alone, far less.

* nada más y nada menos = as much as + Expresión Numérica.

* nada más y nada menos que = in the order of + Cantidad, nothing less than.

* nada más y nada menos que de = to the tune of + Cantidad.

* nada más y nada menos que desde + Expresión Temporal = from as far back as + Expresión Temporal.

* nada más y nada menos que + Número = as many as + Número.

* nada menos que + Nombre + tan + Adjetivo + como = no less + Adjetivo + Nombre + than.

* ni más ni menos = nothing more, nothing less, no more, no less.

* ni mucho menos = by any stretch (of the imagination), by any means, not by a long shot.

* Nombre + más o menos = Nombre + of sorts.

* no ser menos que el vecino = keep up with + the Joneses.

* no ser menos que los demás = keep up with + the Joneses.

* pagar menos de lo que se debería = underpay.

* para no ser menos = not to be outdone.

* personaje venido a menos = fallen star.

* por último pero no menos importante = last but not least.

* región menos favorecida = less favoured region (LFR).

* salir de donde menos Uno se lo espera = come out of + the woodwork.

* ser menos + Adjetivo = be less of a(n) + Nombre.

* ser nada más y nada menos que = be nothing less than.

* signo menos (-) = minus sign (-), negative sign (-).

* todo menos = everything except (for).

* todos menos = everyone except, everybody except.

* todos menos + Número = all but + Número.

* último pero no el menos importante, el = final and not the least important, the.

* venir a menos = retrench.

* y cuanto mucho menos = much less.

* y mucho menos = much less, least of all.

* zona menos favorecida = less favoured area.

* * *
I
adverbio

1) ( comparativo) less

cada vez estudia menos — she's studying less and less

ya me duele menos — it hurts less now

ahora lo vemos menos — we don't see him so often o we don't see so much of him now

no voy a ir, y menos aún con él — I'm not going, and certainly not with him

menos (...) que: un hallazgo no menos importante que éste a find which is no less important than this one; ella menos que nadie puede criticarte she of all people is in no position to criticize you; menos (...) de less than; pesa menos de 50 kilos it weighs less than o under 50 kilos; no lo haría por menos de cien mil I wouldn't do it for less than a hundred thousand; éramos menos de diez there were fewer than ten of us; los niños de menos de 7 años children under seven; es menos peligroso de lo que tú crees — it's not as dangerous as you think

2) ( superlativo) least

es la menos complicada — it is the least complicated one

éste es el menos pesado de los dos — this is the lighter of the two

es el que menos viene por aquí — he's the one who comes around least (often)

es el que menos me gusta — he's the one I like (the) least

se esfuerza lo menos posible — he makes as little effort as possible

es lo menos que podía hacer — it's the least I could do

cuando menos lo esperábamos — when we were least expecting it; para locs ver menos III 2)
II
adjetivo invariable

1) ( comparativo) ( en cantidad) less; ( en número) fewer

alimentos con menos fibra/calorías — food with less fiber/fewer calories

ya hace menos frío — it's not as o so cold now

recibimos cada vez menos pedidos — we are getting fewer and fewer orders

cuesta tres veces menos — it costs a third of the price

mide medio metro menos — it's half a meter shorter

menos (...) que: tengo menos tiempo que tú I haven't as o so much time as you; menos estudiantes que el año pasado fewer students than last year; yo no soy menos que él — he's no better than me

2) ( superlativo) ( en cantidad) least; ( en número) fewest

esos casos son los menos — cases like that are the exception
III
pronombre

1)

sírveme menos — don't give me so much, give me less

ya falta menos — it won't be long now

aprobaron menos que el año pasado — fewer passed than last year

2) (en locs)

al menos — at least

a menos que — unless

cuando menos — at least

de menos: me ha dado 100 pesos de menos you've given me 100 pesos too little; me has cobrado de menos you've undercharged me; lo menos (fam) at least; menos mal just as well, thank goodness; menos mal que no me oyó just as well o it's a good thing he didn't hear me; por lo menos at least; ir a menos to go downhill; ser lo de menos: eso es lo de menos, a mí lo que me preocupa es... that's the least of it, what worries me is...; la fecha es lo de menos the date is the least of our/their problems; tener a alguien en menos to feel somebody is beneath one; tener algo a menos to think something is beneath one o beneath one's dignity; venirse a menos — to come down in the world
IV
preposición

1) ( excepto)

firmaron todos menos Alonso — everybody but Alonso signed, everybody signed except o but Alonso

menos estos dos, todos están en venta — apart from o with the exception of these two, they are all for sale

tres latas de pintura, menos la que usé — three cans of paint, less what I used

2)

a) (Mat) (en restas, números negativos) minus

b) (Esp, RPl) ( en la hora)

son las cinco menos diez/cuarto — it's ten to five/(a) quarter to five

son menos veinte — it's twenty to
V
masculino minus sign

* * *

= least, less [lesser -comp., least -sup.], minus, but, less so.

Ex: Service to the whole community implies positive discrimination towards those who through social or educational deprivation are least adept at using information tools.

Ex: The role of analytical entries in an online catalogue is less clear.

Ex: Copies of records created by the libraries, minus local data, are added to the pool of cataloguing information available to users.

Ex: Rotundas were widely used for all but the most formal texts in the fifteenth century, but fell out of fashion during the sixteenth century, surviving longest in Spain.

Ex: Vellum remained popular on the continent, less so in England; while goatskin (morocco), although well established by this time for fine work, was seldom used in trade binding except for prayer books.

* al menos = at least, at the very least.

* a menos que = unless, short of.

* aproximadamente, más o menos = ballpark.

* area menos favorecida = less favoured area.

* cada vez menos = less and less.

* cuando menos te lo esperes = on any given Sunday.

* cuanto menos = at least, let alone, at best.

* dar menos de lo debido = shortchange.

* de menos del 10 por ciento = single digit, single figure.

* dentro de lo malo lo menos malo = the best of a bad lot.

* echar de menos = miss.

* echar muchísimo de menos = be sorely missed, be sadly missed.

* echar mucho de menos = be sorely missed, be sadly missed.

* el último pero no el menos importante = the last but by no means least.

* en todos menos en = in all but.

* en un futuro más o menos cercano = in the near future, in the near future.

* en un período más o menos lejano = in the near future, in the near future.

* estrella venida a menos = fallen star.

* figura venida a menos = fallen star.

* hacerlo todo menos = stop at + nothing short of.

* horas de menos aglomeración = off-peak times.

* lo menos posible = as little as possible.

* más o menos = more or less, of a sort, or so, of sorts, after a fashion, round about, roughly speaking, give or take.

* más o menos + Adverbio = relatively + Adverbio.

* más o menos cuadrado = squarish.

* menos aún = let alone.

* menos blandeces y más mano dura = less of the carrot, more of the stick, less of the carrot, more of the stick.

* menos conocido = lesser known.

* menos cultos, los = less literate, the.

* menos de + Cantidad = under + Cantidad, less than + Cantidad.

* menos de + Edad = on the right side of + Edad.

* menos desarrollado = less developed [less-developed].

* menos en = save in.

* menos en el caso de que = except when.

* menos favorecido = less-advantaged, less favoured [less favored].

* menos hecho = rarer.

* menos importante, el = least, the.

* menos probable = least likely, less likely.

* menos... que... = less... than....

* menos rápidos, los = less fleet of foot, the.

* menos sabido = lesser known.

* menos usado = less used.

* mucho menos = a great deal less, let alone, far less.

* nada más y nada menos = as much as + Expresión Numérica.

* nada más y nada menos que = in the order of + Cantidad, nothing less than.

* nada más y nada menos que de = to the tune of + Cantidad.

* nada más y nada menos que desde + Expresión Temporal = from as far back as + Expresión Temporal.

* nada más y nada menos que + Número = as many as + Número.

* nada menos que + Nombre + tan + Adjetivo + como = no less + Adjetivo + Nombre + than.

* ni más ni menos = nothing more, nothing less, no more, no less.

* ni mucho menos = by any stretch (of the imagination), by any means, not by a long shot.

* Nombre + más o menos = Nombre + of sorts.

* no ser menos que el vecino = keep up with + the Joneses.

* no ser menos que los demás = keep up with + the Joneses.

* pagar menos de lo que se debería = underpay.

* para no ser menos = not to be outdone.

* personaje venido a menos = fallen star.

* por último pero no menos importante = last but not least.

* región menos favorecida = less favoured region (LFR).

* salir de donde menos Uno se lo espera = come out of + the woodwork.

* ser menos + Adjetivo = be less of a(n) + Nombre.

* ser nada más y nada menos que = be nothing less than.

* signo menos (-) = minus sign (-), negative sign (-).

* todo menos = everything except (for).

* todos menos = everyone except, everybody except.

* todos menos + Número = all but + Número.

* último pero no el menos importante, el = final and not the least important, the.

* venir a menos = retrench.

* y cuanto mucho menos = much less.

* y mucho menos = much less, least of all.

* zona menos favorecida = less favoured area.

* * *

menos¹

adverb

A [ Grammar notes (Spanish) ]

(comparativo): cada vez estudia menos she's studying less and less

quiere trabajar menos y ganar más he wants to work less and earn more

ya me duele menos it doesn't hurt so much now

ahora que vive en Cádiz lo vemos menos now that he's living in Cadiz we don't see him so often o we don't see so much of him

eso es menos importante that's not so important

no voy a permitir que vaya, y menos aún con él I'm not going to let her go, much less with him

menos (…) QUE:

un hallazgo no menos importante que éste a find which is no less important than o just as important as this one

ella menos que nadie puede criticarte she of all people is in no position to criticize you

no pude menos que aceptar I had to accept, it was the least I could do

menos (…) DE:

los niños de menos de 7 años children under seven

pesa menos de 50 kilos it weighs less than o under 50 kilos

éramos menos de diez there were fewer than ten of us

lo compraron por menos de nada they bought it for next to nothing

no lo haría por menos de cien mil I wouldn't do it for less than a hundred thousand

está a menos de una hora de aquí it's less than an hour from here

es menos peligroso de lo que tú crees it's not as dangerous as you think

B [ Grammar notes (Spanish) ] (superlativo) least

es la menos complicada que he visto it is the least complicated one I have seen

éste es el menos pesado de los dos this is the lighter of the two

es el que menos viene por aquí he's the one who comes around least (often)

soy el que ha bebido menos de todos I've had less to drink than anyone, I'm the one who's had least to drink

es el que menos me gusta he's the one I like (the) least

se esfuerza lo menos posible he makes as little effort as possible

es lo menos que podía hacer por él it's the least I could do for him

sucedió cuando menos lo esperábamos it happened when we were least expecting it

para locs ver menos³ pron B. (↑ menos (3))

menos²

adj inv

A [ Grammar notes (Spanish) ] (comparativo) (en cantidad) less; (en número) fewer

alimentos con menos fibra/calorías food with less fiber/fewer calories

ya hace menos frío it's not as o so cold now

recibimos cada vez menos pedidos we are getting fewer and fewer orders

cuesta tres veces menos it costs a third of the price o a third as much

mide medio metro menos it's half a meter shorter

a éste ponle dos cucharadas menos add two tablespoonfuls less to this one

menos (…) QUE:

tengo menos tiempo que tú I haven't as o so much time as you

menos estudiantes que el año pasado fewer students than last year

somos menos que ellos there are fewer of us than them

no soy menos hombre que él I'm no less a man than him

yo no soy menos que él he's no better than me

B [ Grammar notes (Spanish) ] (superlativo) (en cantidad) least; (en número) fewest

el rincón donde hay menos luz the corner where there's least light

el partido que obtuvo menos votos the party that got (the) fewest votes

esos casos son los menos cases like that are the exception

menos³

pronoun

A

sírveme menos don't give me as o so much

ya falta menos it won't be long now

aprobaron menos que el año pasado not so o as many passed as last year, fewer passed than last year

B ( en locs):

al menos at least

a menos que unless

a menos que tú nos ayudes unless you help us

cuando menos at least

de menos: me ha dado 100 pesos de menos you've given me 100 pesos too little

siempre te da unos gramos de menos he always gives you a few grams under o too little

me has cobrado de menos you've undercharged me, you haven't charged me enough

echar

lo menos ( fam); at least

les pagaron lo menos un millón they paid them at least a million pesos

menos mal just as well

menos mal que no me oyó just as well o good thing o thank goodness he didn't hear me

nos van a dar una prórroga — ¡menos mal! they are going to give us extra time — just as well! o thank goodness for that!

por lo menos at least

si por lo menos me hubieras avisado … if you'd at least told me …

había por lo menos diez mil personas there were at least ten thousand people there

ir a menos to go downhill

ser lo de menos: eso es lo de menos, a mí lo que me preocupa es su falta de honradez that's the least of it, what worries me is his lack of integrity

la fecha es lo de menos the date is the least of our/their problems

tener a algn en menos to feel sb is beneath one

cuanto¹ (↑ cuanto (1)), más³ (↑ más (3)), mucho³ (↑ mucho (3)), nada¹ (↑ nada (1))

tener algo a menos to think sth is beneath one o beneath one's dignity

venirse a menos to come down in the world

un aristócrata venido a menos an aristocrat who has come down in the world o who has fallen on hard times

un hotel/barrio venido a menoss a rundown hotel/neighborhood*

menos⁴

prep

A

(excepto): firmaron todos menos Alonso everybody but Alonso signed, everybody signed except o but Alonso

menos estos dos, todos están en venta apart from o with the exception of these two, they are all for sale

tres latas de pintura, menos la que usé para la puerta three cans of paint, less what I used on the door

B

1 ( Mat) [ Vocabulary notes (Spanish) ] (en restas, números negativos) minus

8-15=-7 read as: ocho menos quince (es) igual (a) menos siete eight minus fifteen equals o is minus seven

2

(Esp, RPI) (en la hora) [ Vocabulary notes (Spanish) ] son las ocho menos diez/cuarto it's ten to eight/(a) quarter to eight

¿tienes hora? — menos veinte do you have the time? — it's twenty to

menos⁵

masculine

minus sign

* * *

menos adverbio
1 ( comparativo) less;
◊ cada vez estudia menos she's studying less and less;

ya me duele menos it hurts less now;
ahora lo vemos menos we don't see him so often now, we don't see so much of him now;
pesa menos de 50 kilos it weighs less than o under 50 kilos;
éramos menos de diez there were fewer than ten of us;
los niños de menos de 7 años children under seven
2 ( superlativo) least;
◊ es la menos complicada it is the least complicated one;

el que menos me gusta the one I like (the) least;
se esfuerza lo menos posible he makes as little effort as possible;
cuando menos lo esperaba when I was least expecting it
■ adjetivo invariable
1 ( comparativo) ( en cantidad) less;
( en número) fewer;
◊ alimentos con menos fibra/calorías food with less fiber/fewer calories;

hay menos errores there are fewer mistakes;
mide medio metro menos it's half a meter shorter;
menos estudiantes que el año pasado fewer students than last year;
tengo menos tiempo que tú I haven't as o so much time as you
2 ( superlativo) ( en cantidad) least;
( en número) fewest;
◊ donde hay menos luz where there's least light;

el que obtuvo menos votos the one who got (the) fewest votes
■ pronombre
1 ( en cantidad) less;
( en número) fewer;
◊ sírveme menos give me less;

ya falta menos it won't be long now
2 ( en locs)
◊ al menos at least;

a menos que unless;
cuando menos at least;
de menos: me dió 100 pesos de menos he gave me 100 pesos too little;
me cobró de menos he undercharged me;
lo menos the least;
menos mal just as well, thank goodness;
por lo menos at least;
eso es lo de menos that's the least of my (o our etc) problems
■ preposición
1 ( excepto):
◊ todos menos Alonso everybody except o but Alonso;

menos estos dos, … apart from o with the exception of these two, …;
tres latas de pintura, menos la que usé para la puerta three cans of paint, less what I used on the door
2
a) (Mat) (en restas, números negativos) minus

b) (Esp, RPl) ( en la hora):

◊ son las cinco menos diez/cuarto it's ten to five/(a) quarter to five;

son menos veinte it's twenty to
menos
I adverbio
1 (en menor cantidad, grado) (con no contable) less: ayer me dolía menos, it hurt less yesterday
había menos de treinta personas, there were less than thirty people
es menos importante de lo que crees, it's less important than you think
tengo menos fuerza que antes, I have less strength than before
(con contable) fewer: mi casa tiene menos habitaciones, my house has fewer rooms
2 (superlativo) least: es el menos indicado para opinar, he's the worst person to judge
3 (sobre todo) no pienso discutir, y menos contigo, I don't want to argue, especially with you
II preposición
1 but, except: vinieron todos menos uno, they all came but one
2 Mat minus: siete menos dos, seven minus two
♦ Locuciones: eso es lo de menos, that's the least of it
a menos que, unless
al o por lo menos, at least
cada vez menos, less and less
¡menos mal!, thank goodness!
nada menos que, no less o no fewer than
no ser para menos, to be the least one could do: me invitó a cenar, ¡y no era para menos!, he invited me to dinner, which was the least he could do!
venir a menos, to lose rank, fortune or position
' menos' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
aliviar
- añorar
- cachondeo
- cada
- cantar
- contratación
- cuando
- echar
- esquivar
- estar
- extrañar
- gallo
- hipar
- historiada
- historiado
- indicada
- indicado
- infarto
- los
- mal
- más
- mucha
- mucho
- pensar
- piedra
- programa
- recochineo
- salva
- salvo
- signo
- siquiera
- su
- tan
- todavía
- vez
- cinco
- costumbre
- cuanto
- cuarto
- de
- día
- enfado
- enojo
- entre
- esperar
- estofado
- mientras
- mirar
- momento
- nada
English:
about
- absent
- agree
- alone
- anything
- anywhere
- appreciate
- at
- averse
- barring
- besides
- billion
- blind
- blue
- border
- but
- cackle
- chalk
- circuitous
- conscious
- delay
- far
- ferment
- few
- god
- good
- if
- job
- just
- last
- least
- less
- let
- let up
- mind
- minus
- minus sign
- minute
- miss
- more
- nothing
- nowadays
- of
- opposed
- or
- pretty
- put down
- rate
- recollect
- remain

* * *

menos

♦ adj inv

1. [comparativo] [cantidad] less;
[número] fewer;
menos aire less air;

menos manzanas fewer apples;

menos… que… less/fewer… than…;

tiene menos experiencia que tú she has less experience than you;

vino menos gente que otras veces there were fewer people there than on other occasions;

hace menos calor que ayer it's not as hot as it was yesterday;

colócate a menos distancia stand closer;

eran menos pero mejor preparadas there were fewer of them, but they were better prepared

2. [superlativo] [cantidad] the least;
[número] the fewest;
el que compró menos libros the one who bought the fewest books;

lo que menos tiempo llevó the thing that took the least time;

la que menos nota sacó en el examen the girl who did (the) worst o got the worst Br marks o US grades in the exam

3. Fam [peor]
éste es menos coche que el mío this car isn't as good as mine;

es menos hombre que tú he's less of a man than you are

♦ adv

1. [comparativo] less;

a mí échame un poco menos give me a bit less;

ahora con el bebé salen menos they go out less now they've got the baby;

últimamente trabajo menos I haven't been working as o so much recently;

estás menos gordo you're not as o so fat;

¿a cien? no, íbamos menos rápido a hundred km/h? no, we weren't going as fast as that;

menos de/que less than;

Pepe es menos alto (que tú) Pepe isn't as tall (as you);

Pepe es menos ambicioso (que tú) Pepe isn't as ambitious (as you), Pepe is less ambitious (than you);

este vino me gusta menos (que el otro) I don't like this wine as much (as the other one), I like this wine less (than the other one);

son menos de las diez it's not quite ten o'clock yet;

es difícil encontrar alquileres de o [m5]por menos de 50.000 it's hard to find a place to rent for less than o under 50,000;

tardamos menos de lo esperado we took less time than expected, it didn't take us as long as we expected;

es menos complicado de lo que parece it's not as complicated as it seems, it's less complicated than it seems

2. [superlativo]
el/la/lo menos the least;

ella es la menos adecuada para el cargo she's the least suitable person for the job;

el menos preparado de todos/de la clase the least well trained of everyone/in the class;

el menos preparado de los dos the less well trained of the two;

la que menos trabaja the person o one who works (the) least;

aquí es donde menos me duele this is where it hurts (the) least;

él es el menos indicado para criticar he's the last person who should be criticizing;

es lo menos que puedo hacer it's the least I can do;

era lo menos que te podía pasar it was the least you could expect;

debió costar lo menos un millón it must have cost at least a million;

había algunas manzanas podridas, pero eran las menos some of the apples were rotten, but only a very few

3. [indica resta] minus;

tres menos dos igual a uno three minus two is one

4. Esp, RP [con las horas] to;

son las dos menos diez it's ten to two;

son menos diez it's ten to

5. Comp

ir a menos [fiebre, lluvia] to die down;
[delincuencia] to drop;
¡menos mal! just as well!, thank God!;

menos mal que llevo rueda de repuesto/que no te pasó nada thank God I've got a spare wheel/(that) nothing happened to you;

nada menos (que) no less (than);

le recibió nada menos que el Papa he was received by none other than the Pope;

no es para menos not without (good) reason;

no pude por menos que reírme I had to laugh;

venir a menos [negocio] to go downhill;
[persona] to go down in the world;
no pienso montar y menos si conduces o Am [m5] manejas tú I've no intention of getting in, much less so if you're driving;

Comp

hacer de menos a alguien to snub sb

♦ pron

había menos que el año pasado there were fewer than the previous year;

ya queda menos it's not so far to go now

♦ nm inv
Mat minus (sign)
♦ prep
[excepto] except (for);
todo menos eso anything but that;

vinieron todos menos él everyone came except (for) o but him;

menos el café, todo está incluido en el precio everything except the coffee is included in the price

♦ al menos loc conj

at least;

costará al menos tres millones it will cost at least three million;

dame al menos una hora para prepararme give me at least an hour to get ready

♦ a menos que loc conj

unless;

no iré a menos que me acompañes I won't go unless you come with me

♦ de menos loc adv

hay dos libros de menos there are two books missing;

me han dado 80 céntimos de menos they've given me 80 cents too little, they've short-changed me by 80 cents;

eso es lo de menos that's the least of it

♦ por lo menos loc adv

at least;

por lo menos pide perdón you at least ought to apologize

* * *

menos

I adj

1 en cantidad less;

cien dólares de menos 100 dollars short, 100 dollars too little;

hay cinco calcetines de menos we are five socks short

2 en número fewer

II adv

1 comp: en cantidad less;

es menos guapa que Ana she is not as pretty as Ana

2 sup: en cantidad least;

al menos, por lo menos at least

3 MAT minus;

tres menos dos three minus two

III m MAT minus (sign)

IV

:

a menos que unless;

todos menos yo everyone but o except me;

echar de menos miss;

tener a alguien en menos look down on s.o.;

eso es lo de menos that’s the least of it;

ir a menos come down in the world;

ni mucho menos far from it;

no es para menos quite right too;

son las dos menos diez it’s ten of two, Br it’s ten to two

* * *

menos adv

1) : less

llueve menos en agosto: it rains less in August

2) : least

el coche menos caro: the least expensive car

3)

menos de : less than, fewer than

menos adj

1) : less, fewer

tengo más trabajo y menos tiempo: I have more work and less time

2) : least, fewest

la clase que tiene menos estudiantes: the class that has the fewest students

menos prep

1) salvo, excepto: except

2) : minus

quince menos cuatro son once: fifteen minus four is eleven

menos pron

1) : less, fewer

no deberías aceptar menos: you shouldn't accept less

2)

al menos or

por lo menos : at least

3)

a menos que : unless

* * *

menos¹ adv

1. (comparativo) less

deberías ponerte menos azúcar you should take less sugar

2. (con nombres contables) fewer

había menos gente there were fewer people

3. (superlativo) least

es el menos caro it's the least expensive

4. (excepto) except

puedo hacer de todo menos cocinar I can do everything except cook

fueron todos al parque menos ella they all went to the park except her

5. (con la hora) to

son las ocho menos diez it's ten to eight

6. (en matemáticas) minus

ocho menos dos son seis eight minus two is six

al menos at least

a menos que unless

menos mal thank goodness

menos mal que has venido it's a good job you've come

por lo menos at least

menos² n minus sign

Spanish-English dictionary > menos

14 petit

petit, e [p(ə)ti, it]

━━━━━━━━━

1. adjective

2. adverb

3. masculine noun

4. feminine noun

5. compounds

━━━━━━━━━

1. <

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

► Lorsque petit fait partie d'une locution comme entrer par la petite porte, reportez-vous à l'autre mot.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

   a. (dimension) [personne, objet] small ; (plus positif) little

• la maison est trop petite the house is too small

• mon jardin est tout petit my garden is very small

• j'ai un joli petit jardin I've got a pretty little garden

• les petits voitures sont plus économiques small cars are more economical

• il est petit et gros he's short and fat

• se faire tout petit to keep a low profile

   b. ( = jeune) little

• quand il était petit when he was little

• un petit Anglais an English boy

• les petits Anglais English children

• tu es encore trop petit pour comprendre you're still too little to understand

• dans sa petite enfance when he was very young

• petit garçon little boy

• je ne suis plus un petit garçon ! I'm not a child anymore!

   c. ( = cadet) son petit frère his little brother ; (très petit) his baby brother

   d. ( = mince) [tranche] thin

• une petite pluie (fine) tombait a (fine) drizzle was falling

   e. ( = court) [promenade, voyage] short

• sur une petite distance over a short distance

• il en a pour une petite heure it will take him an hour at the most

   f. ( = miniature, jouet) toy

• petite voiture toy car

   g. ( = faible) [bruit, cri] faint ; [coup, tape] gentle ; [somme d'argent] small ; [loyer] low

• il a un petit appétit he has a small appetite

• film à petit budget low-budget film

   h. ( = peu important) [commerçant, pays, entreprise, groupe] small ; [opération, détail, romancier] minor ; [amélioration, changement, inconvénient, odeur, rhume] slight ; [espoir, chance] faint ; [cadeau, soirée] little

• le petit commerce small businesses

• les petites et moyennes entreprises small and medium-sized businesses

• avec un petit effort with a little effort

   i. ( = maladif) avoir une petite mine to look pale

• tu as de petits yeux ce matin you're a bit bleary-eyed this morning

   j. ( = mesquin) [attitude, action] mean

   k. (locutions) vous prendrez bien un petit verre ? you'll have a little drink, won't you?

• juste une petite signature can I just have your signature

• un petit coin tranquille a nice quiet spot

• cela coûte une petite fortune it costs a small fortune

• il y a un petit vent (agréable) there's a bit of a breeze ; (désagréable) it's a bit windy

• petit con ! (vulg!) stupid jerk! (inf!)

• ce n'est pas de la petite bière it's no small matter

• être aux petits soins pour qn to wait on sb hand and foot

2. <

• petit à petit little by little

3. <

   a. ( = enfant) little boy

• les petits the children

• pauvre petit poor little thing

• c'est un jeu pour petits et grands it's a game for old and young alike

   b. (School) junior (boy)

   c. ( = jeune animal) les petits the young

• la chatte et ses petits the cat and her kittens

• faire des petits to have kittens (or puppies or lambs etc)

   d. ( = homme de petite taille) small man

4. <

petite ( = enfant) little girl ; ( = femme) small woman

• pauvre petite poor little thing

5. <

► petit ami boyfriend

► petite amie girlfriend

► le petit coin (inf) the smallest room (inf)

► petit déjeuner breakfast

► petit gâteau biscuit

► petit nom (inf) first name

► petit pain ≈ bread roll

• ça se vend comme des petits pains (inf) they're selling like hot cakes (inf) ► petit pois pea

► le Petit Poucet Tom Thumb

► la petite reine ( = vélo) the bicycle

► petit salé ( = porc) salt pork

* * *

1.

petite p(ə)ti, it adjectif

1) ( en taille) small, little

petit et trapu — short and stocky

une toute petite pièce — a tiny room

se faire tout petit — fig to try to make oneself inconspicuous

c'est Versailles en plus petit — it's a miniature Versailles

2) (en longueur, durée) short

par petites étapes — in easy stages

3) ( en âge) young, little

je t'ai connu petit — I knew you when you were little

le petit Jésus — baby Jesus

une petite Française — a French girl

le petit nouveau — the new boy

c'est notre petit dernier — he's our youngest

petit chat — kitten

petit chien — puppy

petit ours/renard/lion — bear/fox/lion cub

4) [appétit, quantité, groupe] small; [mangeur] light; [salaire] low; [averse] light; [cri, rire, souci] little; [chance, rhume] slight; [détail, défaut] minor

ça a un petit goût de cerise — it tastes slightly of cherries

avoir une petite santé — to have poor health

un (tout) petit peu de sel — (just) a little salt

5) ( dans une hiérarchie) [marque] lesser known; [emploi] modest; [fonctionnaire] low-ranking; [poète] minor

les petites routes — minor roads

le petit personnel — low-grade staff

les petites gens — ordinary people

un petit escroc — a small-time crook

6) fig little

mon petit papa — darling daddy (colloq)

un petit imbécile — an idiot

très préoccupée de sa petite personne — very taken up with herself

de bons petits plats — tasty dishes

un petit coin tranquille — a quiet spot

envoie-moi un petit mot — drop me a line

passe-moi un petit coup de fil — (colloq) give me a call

j'en ai pour une petite minute — it won't take me a minute

une petite trentaine de personnes — under thirty people

7) ( mesquin) [personne, procédé] petty, mean; ( étroit) [conception] narrow

2.

nom masculin, féminin

1) ( enfant) little boy/girl, child; ( benjamin)

le petit — ( de deux) the younger one; ( de plus de deux) the youngest one

mes petits — my children

pauvre petit! — poor thing!

la petite Martin — the Martin girl

2) ( adulte de petite taille) small man/woman

3.

adverbe

voir petit — ( sous-estimer) to underestimate; ( être sans ambition) to have no ambition

tailler petit — to be small-fitting

petit à petit — little by little

4.

nom masculin

1) ( jeune animal)

petits — gén young (+ v pl); ( chats) kittens; ( chiens) puppies

faire des petits — [chienne] to have puppies; fig [argent] to grow

2) ( personne modeste)

les petits — ordinary people

un petit de la finance — a minor figure in the world of finance

•

Phrasal Verbs:

- petit ami

- petit bois

- petit chef

- petit coin

- petit crème

- petit déjeuner

- petit linge

- petit noir

- petit nom

- petit pois

- petit pot

- petit rat

- petit salé

- petite amie

- petite annonce

- petite école

- petite main

- petite nature

- petite souris

- petite vérole

- petite voiture

- petites annonces matrimoniales

- petites et moyennes entreprises

- petits chevaux

* * *
p(ə)ti, it petit, -e
1. adj

1) (par la taille, les dimensions) (main, objet, colline) small

Il est petit pour son âge. — He's small for his age.

de petite taille (personne) — short, small, (arbre) small

Sonia habite une petite ville. — Sonia lives in a small town.

2) (valeur affective) little

Phyllis a une jolie petite maison. — Phyllis has a nice little house.

On a ouvert une petite bouteille de Chinon. — We've opened a little bottle of Chinon.

3) (peu important) (problème) small, minor, (progrès) little

4) (= faible) (pluie, bruit) slight

5) (en âge) (enfant) small, little

C'est dangereux pour les petits enfants. — It's dangerous for small children.

son petit frère — his little brother

6) (= court) (voyage, présentation) little, (roman) short

7) (= mesquin) mean

2. nm/f

1) (= enfant) child, little one

Emmène les petits au cinéma. — Take the children to the cinema.

Le petit de Sylvie a une mauvaise grippe. — Sylvie's little son has got bad a bad dose of flu.

la classe des petits — the infant class

pour petits et grands — for children and adults

les tout-petits — the little ones, the tiny tots

2) (= cadet) little one, youngest

Nicolas, c'est le petit. — Nicolas is the little one., Nicolas is the youngest.

3) (valeur affective)

mon petit (nuance ironique) — dear, (à son fils, un petit garçon) son

ma petite (nuance ironique) — dear, young lady, (à sa fille, une fillette) sweetheart

pauvre petit — poor little thing

3. nm

[animal]

petits — young pl

la lionne et ses petits — the lioness and her young

faire des petits [chatte] — to have kittens, [chienne] to have puppies

4. adv

petit à petit — little by little, gradually

* * *

petit, petite

A adj

1 ( en taille) [personne, pied, objet, arbre, entreprise] ( objectivement) small; ( subjectivement) little; il est petit pour son âge he's small for his age; les mêmes, mais en plus petit the same ones, but smaller; le 36, c'est trop petit 36 is too small; le monde est petit! it's a small world!; un homme de petite taille, un homme petit a short ou small man; petit et trapu short and stocky; un petit homme timide a shy little man; la petite blonde, là-bas the little blonde, over there; une toute petite pièce/femme a tiny room/woman; se faire tout petit fig to try to make oneself inconspicuous; c'est Versailles en plus petit it's a miniature Versailles; ⇒ bête, doigt, lorgnette, plat, ruisseau;

2 (en longueur, durée) [foulée, promenade, distance, paragraphe] short; par petites étapes in easy stages; ⇒ semaine;

3 ( en âge) ( objectivement) young; ( subjectivement) little; il est trop petit pour comprendre he's too young to understand; c'est la plus petite she's the youngest; je t'ai connu petit I knew you when you were little; mon petit frère my little brother; ( bébé) my baby brother; le petit Jésus baby Jesus; petit garçon little boy; petite fille little girl; une petite Française a French girl; le petit nouveau the new boy; les petits enfants small ou young children; c'est notre petit dernier he's our youngest; petit chat kitten; petit chien puppy; petit ours/renard/lion bear/fox/lion cub;

4 (en quantité, prix, force) [somme, appétit, majorité, volume, quantité, groupe] small; [mangeur, buveur] light; [salaire, loyer] low; [tape, vent, averse] light; [cri, rire, sourire] little; [goût, espoir, chance] slight; d'une petite voix timide in a timid little voice; une petite pluie fine a fine drizzle; ça a un petit goût de cerise it tastes slightly of cherries; avoir une petite santé to have poor health; fais un petit effort make an effort; un (tout) petit peu de sel (just) a little salt; un petit sourire coquin/supérieur a mischievous/superior little smile; ⇒ feu;

5 ( en gravité) [inconvénient, détail, défaut, opération] minor; [rhume] slight; [égratignure, souci] little;

6 ( dans une hiérarchie) [marque, cru] lesser known; [situation, emploi] modest; [fonctionnaire, dignitaire] low-ranking; [poète] minor; les petites routes minor roads; le petit personnel low-grade staff; les petites gens ordinary people; un petit escroc a small-time crook; ⇒ soldat;

7 ( pour minimiser) little; chante-nous une petite chanson give us a little song; un petit coup de rouge a little glass of red wine; un petit visage triste a sad little face; un bon petit vin/restaurant a nice little wine/restaurant; un petit cadeau/secret a little gift/secret; une petite faveur a little favour^GB; de bons petits plats tasty dishes; un petit coin tranquille a quiet spot; envoie-moi un petit mot drop me a line; passe-moi un petit coup de fil○ give me a ring GB ou call; avoir de petites attentions pour qn to make a fuss of sb GB, to fuss over sb; il faut une petite signature ici could I ask you to sign here, please?; je n'ai eu que deux petites semaines de congé! I only had two short weeks off!; j'en ai pour une petite minute/heure it won't take me a minute/more than an hour; une petite trentaine de personnes under thirty people;

8 ( en sentiment) mon petit Pierre my dear Pierre; mon petit papa darling daddy; mon petit chéri/ange my darling/angel; mon petit chou○ or poulet○ sweetie○, honey○; une petite garce◑ a bitch◑; un petit imbécile an idiot; très préoccupée de sa petite personne very taken up with herself; il tient à sa petite tranquillité he likes a nice quiet life;

9 ( mesquin) [personne, procédé] petty, mean; ( étroit) [conception] narrow; les petits esprits small-minded people.

B nm,f

1 ( enfant) little boy/girl, child; ( benjamin) le petit ( de deux) the younger one; ( de plus de deux) the youngest one; les petits the children, the kids○; pauvre petit! poor thing!; la petite Martin the Martin girl; les petits Martin the Martin children; ils ont deux petits they have two children; elle a eu un petit she's had a baby; n'aie pas peur, mon petit don't be afraid;

2 ( adulte de petite taille) small man/woman; les petits small people.

C adv voir petit ( sous-estimer) to underestimate; ( être sans ambition) to have no ambition; chausser/tailler petit [chaussures, vêtements] to be small-fitting; petit à petit little by little, gradually; ⇒ oiseau.

D nm

1 ( jeune animal) petits young; ( chats) kittens; ( chiens) puppies; (loups, lions, ours) cubs, young; le mammifère allaite ses petits mammals suckle their young; la lionne et ses petits the lioness and her cubs ou young; comment s'appelle le petit de la chèvre? what do you call a baby ou young goat?; faire des petits [chienne] to have puppies; fig ( se multiplier) [argent] to grow; ( se briser) [vase] to end up in bits;

2 ( personne modeste) les petits ordinary people; un petit de la finance a minor figure in the world of finance.

Composés

petit aigle Zool scops owl; petit ami boyfriend; petit bassin Anat lower pelvis; ( de piscine) small pool; petit blanc ( vin) small glass of white wine; petit bleu† Postes telegram; petit bois ( d'allumage) kindling; petit cacatois fore royal sail; petit chef petty tyrant; jouer au petit chef to throw one's weight around○; petit coin○ euph ( toilettes) loo○ GB, bathroom US; aller au petit coin to go to the loo○ GB ou bathroom US; petit commerçant small trader; petit commerce small traders (pl); petit crème small espresso with milk; petit déjeuner breakfast; petit endroit = petit coin; petit four petit four; petit hunier Naut fore topsail; petit juif○ funny bone; petit linge underwear; laver son petit linge to wash one's smalls○; petit maître minor master; petit noir coffee; petit nom○ ( prénom) first name; petit paquet small packet; petit perroquet Naut fore topgallant sail; petit peuple lower classes (pl); petit point petit point; petit pois (garden) pea, petit pois; petit porteur small shareholder; petit pot ( pour bébés) jar of baby food; petit quart Naut dogwatch; petit rat (de l'Opéra) pupil at Paris Opéra's ballet school; petit roque ( aux échecs) castling short; petit salé streaky salted pork; petit trot jog trot; petite amie girlfriend; petite annonce Presse classified advertisement ou ad○; petite caisse petty cash; petite école○ ≈ nursery school; petite main seamstress (at a top fashion house); petite mort orgasm; petite nature weakling; petite phrase (memorable) saying; petite reine Sport cycling; petite souris tooth fairy; petite vérole smallpox; petite voiture toy car; petites annonces matrimoniales personal ads; petites classes○ Scol younger children; petites et moyennes entreprises, PME small and medium enterprises, SMEs; petites sœurs des pauvres Little Sisters of the Poor; petits chevaux Jeux ≈ ludo (sg); petits métiers du passé traditional crafts.

( féminin petite) [p(ə)ti, p(ə)tit] (devant nom masculin commençant par voyelle ou h muet [p(ə)tit]) adjectif

1. [en hauteur, en largeur] small, little

[en longueur] little, small, short

une personne de petite taille a small ou short person

un petit gros a tubby little man

il y a un petit mur entre les deux jardins there's a low ou small wall between the two gardens

une toute petite bonne femme

a. (familier) [femme] a tiny little woman

b. [fillette] a tiny little girl

de petites jambes grassouillettes

a. [de bébé] little fat legs

b. [d'adulte] short fat legs

à petite distance on voyait une chaumière a cottage could be seen a short way ou distance away

elle a de petits pieds she's got small ou little feet

un petit "a" a lower-case ou small "a"

je voudrais ce tissu en petite largeur I'd like that material in a narrow width

un petit bout de papier a scrap of paper

une toute petite maison a tiny little house

se faire tout petit [passer inaperçu] to make oneself inconspicuous, to keep a low profile

se faire tout petit devant quelqu'un

a. [par respect ou timidité] to humble oneself before somebody

b. [par poltronnerie] to cower ou to shrink before somebody

[exprime l'approximation]

ça vaut un petit 12 sur 20 it's only worth 12 out of 20

on y sera dans une petite heure we'll be there in a bit less than ou in under an hour

il y a un petit kilomètre d'ici à la ferme ≃ it's no more than ou just under three quarters of a mile from here to the farm

2. [faible] small

expédition/émission à petit budget low-budget expedition/programme

petit loyer low ou moderate rent

petite retraite/rente small pension/annuity

3. [jeune - personne] small, little ; [ - plante] young, baby (modificateur)

quand j'étais petit when I was little

je ne suis plus une petite fille! I'm not a little girl any more!

les petits Français French children

une petite Chinoise a young ou little Chinese girl

il est encore trop petit he's still too small ou young

un petit chien a puppy

un petit chat a kitten

un petit lion/léopard a lion/leopard cub

un petit éléphant a baby elephant, an elephant calf

[plus jeune] little, younger

4. [bref, court] short, brief

un petit séjour a short ou brief stay

si on lui faisait une petite visite? shall we pop in to see her?

donnez-moi un petit délai give me a little more time

5. [dans une hiérarchie]

petite entreprise small company

les petites et moyennes entreprises small and medium-sized businesses

le petit commerce (running of) small businesses

les petits commerçants (owners of) small businesses

les petits agriculteurs/propriétaires small farmers/landowners

les petits salaires

a. [sommes] low salaries, small wages

b. [employés] low-paid workers

il s'est trouvé un petit emploi au service exportation he found a minor post in the export department

petit peintre/poète minor painter/poet

6. [minime] small, slight, minor

une petite touche de peinture a slight touch of paint

ce n'est qu'un petit détail it's just a minor detail

dans les plus petits détails down to the last detail

une petite intervention chirurgicale minor surgery, a small ou minor operation

[insignifiant] small, slight

il y a un petit défaut there's a slight ou small ou minor defect

j'ai un petit ennui I've got a bit of a problem

j'ai eu un petit rhume I had a bit of a cold ou a slight cold

7. [léger] slight

un petit soupir a little sigh

elle a un petit accent she's got a slight accent

dit-elle d'une petite voix she said in a faint voice

petite montée gentle slope

petite brise gentle breeze

ça a un petit goût it tastes a bit strange

ça a un petit goût d'orange it tastes slightly of orange

8. [avec une valeur affective] little

j'ai trouvé une petite couturière/un petit garagiste I've found a very good little seamstress/garage

fais-moi une petite place make a little space for me, give me a (little) ou tiny bit of room

il aimait faire son petit poker le soir he was fond of a game of poker in the evening

tu mets ton petit ensemble? will you be wearing that nice little suit?

un petit vin sans prétention an unpretentious little wine

il y a un petit vent frais pas désagréable there's a nice little breeze

ma petite maman Mummy (UK), Mommy (US), my Mum (UK) ou Mom (US)

alors, mon petit Paul, comment ça va?

a. [dit par une femme] how's life, Paul, dear?

b. [dit par un homme plus âgé] how's life, young Paul?

[pour encourager]

tu mangeras bien une petite glace! come on, have an ice cream!

je n'ai pas le temps de faire un match — juste un petit! I've no time to play a match — come on, just a quick one!

[avec une valeur admirative]

c'est une petite futée she's a clever one

petit débrouillard! you're smart!, you don't miss a thing!

(euphémisme) [notable]

c'est une petite surprise it's quite a surprise

c'est un petit exploit! it's quite an achievement!

[avec une valeur dépréciative]

petit imbécile! you idiot!

petit con! (très familier) you arsehole (très familier, UK, très familier & US) ou asshole!

j'en ai assez de ses petits mystères/petites manigances! I'm fed up with her little mysteries/intrigues!

9. (littéraire) [mesquin] mean, mean-spirited, petty

————————

, petite [p(ə)ti, p(ə)tit] (devant nom masculin commençant par voyelle ou h muet [p(ə)tit]) nom masculin, nom féminin

1. [fils, fille] little son ou boy ( feminine daughter feminine girl)

c'est le petit de Monique it's Monique's son

c'est la petite d'en face (familier) it's the girl from across the street, it's the daughter of the people across the street, it's across the road's daughter (UK)

elle va à la même école que le petit (des) Verneuil she goes to the same school as the Verneuil boy

2. [enfant] little ou small child, little ou small boy ( feminine girl)

quant aux petits, nous les emmènerons au zoo as for the younger children, we'll take them to the zoo

la cour des petites the junior (UK) ou younger girls' playground

c'est un livre qui fera les délices des petits comme des grands this book will delight young and old (alike)

3. (familier) [adolescent] (young) boy ( feminine girl)

4. [avec une valeur affective - à un jeune] dear ; [ - à un bébé] little one

mon petit

a. [à un homme] dear

b. [à une femme] dear, darling

mon petit, je suis fier de toi

a. [à un garçon] young man, I'm proud of you

b. [à une fille] young lady, I'm proud of you

viens, mon tout petit come here (my) little one

ça, ma petite, vous ne l'emporterez pas au paradis! you'll never get away with it, my dear!

la pauvre petite, comment va-t-elle faire? poor thing, however will she manage?

————————

nom masculin

1. [animal] baby

ses petits

a. [généralement] her young

b. [chatte] her kittens

c. [chienne] her puppies

d. [tigresse, louve] her cubs

faire des petits

a. [chienne] to have pups

b. [chatte] to have kittens

mes économies ont fait des petits (familier) my savings have grown

2. [dans une hiérarchie]

c'est toujours les petits qui doivent payer it's always the little man who's got to pay

dans la course aux marchés, les petits sont piétinés in the race to gain markets, small firms ou businesses get trampled underfoot

————————

adverbe

1. COMMERCE

c'est un 38 mais ce modèle chausse/taille petit it says 38 but this style is a small fitting (UK) runs small (US)

2. [juste]

voir ou prévoir petit to see ou to plan things on a small scale

————————

en petit locution adverbiale

[en petits caractères] in small characters ou letters

[en miniature] in miniature

un univers en tout petit a miniature universe

je voudrais cette jupe (mais) en plus petit I'd like this skirt (but) in a smaller size

petit à petit locution adverbiale

little by little, gradually

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais > petit

15 bißchen

das

(a small amount: Can I borrow a spot of sugar?) spot

* * *

biss·chen^RR, biß·chen^ALT

[ˈbɪsçən]

pron indef

1. in der Funktion eines adj

▪ ein \bißchen... a bit of..., some...

kann ich noch ein \bißchen Milch haben? can I have another drop of [or a drop more] milk?

ich habe ein \bißchen Ärger im Büro gehabt! I've had a bit of bother at the office

▪ kein \bißchen... not one [little] bit of...

du hast aber auch kein \bißchen Verständnis für meine schwierige Situation you haven't got a scrap of sympathy for the awkward situation I'm in

ich habe kein \bißchen Geld I'm penniless

ich habe im Moment kein \bißchen Zeit! I haven't got a minute to spare at the moment!

▪ das \bißchen... the little bit of...

das \bißchen Geld, das ich habe, brauche ich selber I need what money I have myself

mit dem \bißchen Gehalt kann man in München keine großen Sprünge machen this salary won't get you far in Munich!

2. in der Funktion eines Adverbs

▪ ein \bißchen... a bit [or little]

das war ein \bißchen dumm von ihr! that was a little stupid of her!; + komp

darf's ein \bißchen mehr Käse sein, die Dame? would Madam like a little more cheese?

ich würde an deiner Stelle ein \bißchen weniger arbeiten! if I were you, I'd work a little less

▪ kein \bißchen... not the slightest bit...

es ist kein \bißchen teurer! it's not a bit more expensive!

sie war kein \bißchen schlechter als er she was no worse than him in the slightest

3. in der Funktion eines Substantivs

▪ ein \bißchen a bit [or little]

wenn man nur so ein \bißchen verdient wie ich! when one earns as little as I do!

für so ein \bißchen wollen die 1.000 Euro! they want 1,000 euros for a little bit like that!

von so einem \bißchen wirst du doch nicht satt a little portion like that won't fill you up

nimmst du Milch in den Kaffee? — ja, aber nur ein \bißchen do you take milk with your coffee? — yes, but just a drop

▪ das \bißchen the little

drei Eier, zwei Semmeln, etwas Butter— und für das \bißchen wollen die 10 Euro? three eggs, two rolls and some butter — and they want ten euros for these few items!

ein klein \bißchen (fam) a little bit

Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch > bißchen

16 bisschen

biss·chen^RR, biß·chen^ALT [ʼbɪsçən] pron

indef

1) in der Funktion eines Adjektivs

ein \bisschen... a bit of..., some...;

kann ich noch ein \bisschen Milch haben? can I have another drop of [or a drop more] milk?;

ich habe ein \bisschen Ärger im Büro gehabt! I've had a bit of bother at the office;

kein \bisschen... not one [little] bit of...;

du hast aber auch kein \bisschen Verständnis für meine schwierige Situation you haven't got a scrap of sympathy for the awkward situation I'm in;

ich habe kein \bisschen Geld I'm penniless;

ich habe im Moment kein \bisschen Zeit! I haven't got a minute to spare at the moment!;

das \bisschen... the little bit of...;

das \bisschen Geld, das ich habe, brauche ich selber I need what money I have myself;

mit dem \bisschen Gehalt kann man in München keine großen Sprünge machen this salary won't get you far in Munich!

2) in der Funktion eines Adverbs

ein \bisschen... a bit [or little];

das war ein \bisschen dumm von ihr! that was a little stupid of her! + comp

darf's ein \bisschen mehr Käse sein, die Dame? would Madam like a little more cheese?;

ich würde an deiner Stelle ein \bisschen weniger arbeiten! if I were you, I'd work a little less;

kein \bisschen... not the slightest bit...;

es ist kein \bisschen teurer! it's not a bit more expensive!;

sie war kein \bisschen schlechter als er she was no worse than him in the slightest

3) in der Funktion eines Substantivs

ein \bisschen a bit [or little];

wenn man nur so ein \bisschen verdient wie ich! when one earns as little as I do!;

für so ein \bisschen wollen die 1.000 Euro! they want 1,000 euros for a little bit like that!;

von so einem \bisschen wirst du doch nicht satt a little portion like that won't fill you up;

nimmst du Milch in den Kaffee? - ja, aber nur ein \bisschen do you take milk with your coffee? - yes, but just a drop;

das \bisschen the little;

drei Eier, zwei Semmeln, etwas Butter- und für das \bisschen wollen die zehn Euro? three eggs, two rolls and some butter - and they want ten euros for these few items!;

ein klein \bisschen ( fam) a little bit

Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch für Studenten > bisschen

17 bißchen

biss·chen^RR, biß·chen^ALT [ʼbɪsçən] pron

indef

1) in der Funktion eines Adjektivs

ein \bißchen... a bit of..., some...;

kann ich noch ein \bißchen Milch haben? can I have another drop of [or a drop more] milk?;

ich habe ein \bißchen Ärger im Büro gehabt! I've had a bit of bother at the office;

kein \bißchen... not one [little] bit of...;

du hast aber auch kein \bißchen Verständnis für meine schwierige Situation you haven't got a scrap of sympathy for the awkward situation I'm in;

ich habe kein \bißchen Geld I'm penniless;

ich habe im Moment kein \bißchen Zeit! I haven't got a minute to spare at the moment!;

das \bißchen... the little bit of...;

das \bißchen Geld, das ich habe, brauche ich selber I need what money I have myself;

mit dem \bißchen Gehalt kann man in München keine großen Sprünge machen this salary won't get you far in Munich!

2) in der Funktion eines Adverbs

ein \bißchen... a bit [or little];

das war ein \bißchen dumm von ihr! that was a little stupid of her! + comp

darf's ein \bißchen mehr Käse sein, die Dame? would Madam like a little more cheese?;

ich würde an deiner Stelle ein \bißchen weniger arbeiten! if I were you, I'd work a little less;

kein \bißchen... not the slightest bit...;

es ist kein \bißchen teurer! it's not a bit more expensive!;

sie war kein \bißchen schlechter als er she was no worse than him in the slightest

3) in der Funktion eines Substantivs

ein \bißchen a bit [or little];

wenn man nur so ein \bißchen verdient wie ich! when one earns as little as I do!;

für so ein \bißchen wollen die 1.000 Euro! they want 1,000 euros for a little bit like that!;

von so einem \bißchen wirst du doch nicht satt a little portion like that won't fill you up;

nimmst du Milch in den Kaffee? - ja, aber nur ein \bißchen do you take milk with your coffee? - yes, but just a drop;

das \bißchen the little;

drei Eier, zwei Semmeln, etwas Butter- und für das \bißchen wollen die zehn Euro? three eggs, two rolls and some butter - and they want ten euros for these few items!;

ein klein \bißchen ( fam) a little bit

Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch für Studenten > bißchen

18 pucho

m.

1 cigarette butt. (Andean Spanish (Bolivia, Chilean Spanish, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru), River Plate)

2 cigar butt, cigarette butt.

* * *

SM

1) Cono Sur (=colilla) [de cigarrillo] fag end **, dog end **; [de puro] cigar stub

2) LAm (=cigarrillo) fag **

3) LAm (=resto) [gen] scrap, left-over(s) pl ; [de bebida] dregs pl ; [de tela] remnant; (Econ) coppers pl, small change

4) LAm (=nimiedad) trifle, mere nothing

a puchos — in dribs and drabs

5) And, Cono Sur (=hijo) youngest child

* * *

masculino (AmL fam)

a) ( cigarrillo - de tabaco) smoke (colloq), fag (BrE colloq); (- de marihuana) joint (colloq)

b) ( resto - de cigarrillo) butt, fag end (BrE colloq); (- de comida) scrap; (- de bebida) drop

a puchos — (AmL fam) bit by bit (colloq), a little at a time (colloq)

se tomó la sopa a puchos — he sipped his soup

no valer un pucho — (Chi fam) to be completely worthless

* * *

masculino (AmL fam)

a) ( cigarrillo - de tabaco) smoke (colloq), fag (BrE colloq); (- de marihuana) joint (colloq)

b) ( resto - de cigarrillo) butt, fag end (BrE colloq); (- de comida) scrap; (- de bebida) drop

a puchos — (AmL fam) bit by bit (colloq), a little at a time (colloq)

se tomó la sopa a puchos — he sipped his soup

no valer un pucho — (Chi fam) to be completely worthless

* * *

pucho

masculine

( AmS fam)

1 (cigarrillo — de tabaco) smoke ( colloq), cigarrette, fag ( BrE colloq); (— de marihuana) joint ( colloq)

2 (resto — de cigarrillo) butt, fag end ( BrE colloq); (— de comida) scrap; (— de bebida) drop

queda un puchito de sopa there's a drop of soup left

a puchos ( AmL fam); bit by bit ( colloq), a little at a time ( colloq)

me está pagando a puchos he's paying me bit by bit o a little at a time

se tomó la sopa a puchos he sipped his soup

botarse a pucho ( Chi fam); to be sassy ( AmE colloq), to be cheeky ( BrE colloq)

me/le importa un pucho ( Chi fam); I/he couldn't care less ( colloq) I/he couldn't give a damn ( colloq)

no valer un pucho ( Chi fam); to be completely worthless

sobre el pucho la escupida ( RPl fam); right away

tomó la decisión sobre el pucho he made his decision right away o there and then

* * *

pucho sustantivo masculino (AmS fam)
a) ( cigarrillo — de tabaco) smoke (colloq), fag (BrE colloq);

(— de marihuana) joint (colloq)
b) ( resto — de cigarrillo) butt, fag end (BrE colloq);

(— de comida) scrap;
(— de bebida) drop
' pucho' also found in these entries:
English:
stub

* * *

pucho Fam

♦ nm

1. Andes, RP [cigarrillo] cigarette, Br fag

2. Andes, RP [colilla] cigarette butt

3. Chile, Ecuad [hijo menor] youngest child

4. Comp
RP
sobre el pucho in the nick of time

♦ de a puchos Andes, RP loc adv

bit by bit;

fue comiendo de a puchos hasta terminar el plato she went on taking tiny mouthfuls until the plate was empty;

está pagando la deuda, pero de a puchos she is paying off the debt, but only bit by bit o in dribs and drabs

* * *

pucho

m S.Am. pop

cigarette butt, Br

fag end fam ;

no valer un pucho be completely worthless

* * *

pucho nm

1) : waste, residue

2) : cigarette butt

3)

a puchos : little by little, bit by bit

Spanish-English dictionary > pucho

19 estúpido

adj.

1 stupid, foolish, dumb, empty-headed.

2 stupid, foolish, inane, dumb.

m.

stupid, nitwit, fathead, numbskull.

* * *

estúpido

► adjetivo

1 stupid, silly

► nombre masculino,nombre femenino

1 berk, idiot

* * *
1. (f. - estúpida)
adj.

stupid
2. (f. - estúpida)
noun f.

idiot

* * *
estúpido, -a
1.

ADJ stupid

2.

SM / F idiot

ese tío es un estúpido — that guy's an idiot

* * *
I
- da adjetivo <persona/argumento> stupid, silly

ay, qué estúpida soy! — oh, how stupid of me!
II
- da masculino, femenino idiot, fool

el estúpido de mi hermano — my stupid brother

* * *

= crazy [crazier -comp., craziest -sup.], dummy, foolish, silly, mindless, moron, stupid, daft [dafter -comp., daftest -sup.], mad, dumb [dumber -comp., dumbest -sup.], nuts, witless, bonehead, boneheaded, twit, dolally tap, dolally [do-lally], imbecile, cretinous, arsehole [asshole, -USA], brainless, dimwit, dim-witted [dimwitted], twat, nonsensical, mug, berk, prick, cretin, dumbbell, dull-witted, asinine, lemon, ditsy [ditsier -comp., ditsiest -sup.], dits, ditz, ditzy [ditzier -comp., ditziest -sup.], airhead, airheaded, duffer, schmuck, schmo, nonce, moke, twerp, dweeb, chump, birdbrained, birdbrain, off + Posesivo + knocker, off + Posesivo + rocker, dork, moonstruck, plonker.

Ex. Lest it appear that Ms Marshall's committee and a few others of us, notoriously associated with that kind of work, are little more than crazy, fire-breathing radicals, let me add this gloss immediately.

Ex. We are too prone to be dummy people by day, and thinking, articulate individuals only in the safety of home and leisure.

Ex. It would be uneconomic and foolish to persevere with human assignment of controlled-language terms.

Ex. In conclusion, I am sure you all believe me to be either idealistic, unrealistic, radical, or just plain silly.

Ex. By this later period pressmen in England were despised as mere 'horses', the 'great guzzlers of beer' who were rebuked by the young Benjamin Franklin for their mindless intemperance.

Ex. This thesaurus contains a number of wretched, insensitive cross-references, like from Dumb to DEAF, and from Feeble minded, Imbecility, and morons to MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

Ex. When any librarian is trying to find material on behalf of a user from a poor citation it leads to that librarian appearing slow and stupid to the user.

Ex. Ranking among the dafter exercises sometimes imposed on children is the one that requires them to describe a screwdriver or a vase or the desks they sit at, or any familiar object.

Ex. When J D Brown allowed the public of Islington to have open access to the books in the 1890s he was regarded by many of his colleagues as mad!.

Ex. Techniques such as the automatic detection of anaphora enable systems to appear to be intelligent rather than dumb.

Ex. I think some people would think my approach is nuts.

Ex. She refutes the idea of the women's magazine as a 'mouthpiece of masculine interest, of patriarchy and commercialism' that preyed on 'passive, dependent, and witless' women readers.

Ex. The article is entitled 'Field Research for Boneheads: From Naivete to Insight on the Green Tortoise'.

Ex. That was a big boneheaded error.

Ex. Democracy's a nice idea in theory, if it wasn't for all the twits.

Ex. Now I know this country of ours is totally dolally tap!.

Ex. The server has gone dolally by the looks of it.

Ex. The same evil is done in slaving, tormenting and killing, say, chimpanzees as is done in so injuring human imbeciles.

Ex. It is already evident that he is a cretinous buffoon.

Ex. Modern preppies try to be assholes, probably because they think it's cool, and never quite make it.

Ex. From that point on, the film is not only stupid, it's dim-witted, brainless and obtuse to the point of being insulting to the audience.

Ex. The diplomats have been calling him a lucky dimwit ever since.

Ex. From that point on, the film is not only stupid, it's dim-witted, brainless and obtuse to the point of being insulting to the audience.

Ex. I don't really care if he does like real ale, even if his arse was hung with diamonds he would still be a twat.

Ex. Parental protectiveness of children is surely a good thing if sensibly applied, but this nonsensical double standard doesn't help anyone.

Ex. By this time, firecrackers and fireworks were being let off willy-nilly in the streets by any mug with a match.

Ex. And before some berk starts whittling on about anti-car lobbies, we should all be lobbying for less car use if we've got any interest whatsoever in the future.

Ex. Steve knows that he is a 'showboat, a little bit of a prick,' but he also knows that it's too late for a man in his fifties to change.

Ex. Cretin is a word derived from an 18th century Swiss-French word meaning Christian.

Ex. The Wizard, played by Joel Grey, is a smooth-talking dumbbell who admits he is 'a corn-fed hick' and 'one of your dime-a-dozen mediocrities'.

Ex. An army without culture is a dull-witted army, and a dull-witted army cannot defeat the enemy.

Ex. This chapter is dedicated to the truly asinine rules -- ones which either defeat their own purpose altogether or are completely devoid of common sense.

Ex. The court also heard the victim's brother accuse the defendant of physical abuse and of calling him a ' lemon and a retard'.

Ex. If there is a stereo type for ditsy blondes she really has gone out of her way to fit it perfectly.

Ex. But then again, there are thousands of such ditses out there that need mental help.

Ex. She might be a ditz, you can do that with the money she makes, if she wasn't so rich she'd be just another ditzy broad.

Ex. She might be a ditz, you can do that with the money she makes, if she wasn't so rich she'd be just another ditzy broad.

Ex. Some people like airheads with fake boobs.

Ex. She's just an airheaded bimbo, with an endless capacity to push aside unpleasant realities in favor of her more satisfying interests: young men and jewels.

Ex. Plus, no matter what she did to stop people from picking on her she always ended up being called a duffer.

Ex. Schmuck entered English as a borrowed word from Yiddish, where it is an obscene term literally meaning a foreskin or head of a penis, and an insult.

Ex. This team of schmoes is capable of anything.

Ex. Justin, whilst clearly a nonce, is to be commended on instigating a high-profile campaign to free the hostages.

Ex. States know better what their own citizens needs are than do the mokes in Washington.

Ex. He started life as a twerp, then fairly quickly became a jerk and ended up an old sourpuss.

Ex. For this reason, I will probably not vote in the London mayoral election at all and this doesn't make me a whinging negativist dweeb.

Ex. Americans are such chumps, because we refuse to see what is going on right in front of our eyes.

Ex. She has her own birdbrained way of thinking about things, but most of what she says is vaguely prophetic.

Ex. I am thinking humans can be such birdbrains when it comes to communication.

Ex. Every firearm hast its pros and cons and anyone who tells you otherwise is off their knocker.

Ex. I find it fascinating how Bradley can be perfectly reasonable one moment, and off his rocker the next.

Ex. And then we get nongs like Joe here who just cant help himself from being a dork.

Ex. ' Moonstruck' has all the fun of movies about weddings: a reluctant groom, an overeager bride, and an emotionally distraught family.

Ex. If she'd been my daughter in fact I'd never have let her go out with an obvious plonker like myself.

----

* algo estúpido = no-brainer.

* como un estúpido = stupidly.

* hacerse el estúpido = dumb down, act + dumb.

* lo suficientemente estúpido como para = dumb enough to.

* rubia estúpida = dumb blonde.

* ser estúpido = be off + Posesivo + rocker.

* típica rubia estúpida = bimbo.

* volverse estúpido = go off + Posesivo + rocker.

* * *
I
- da adjetivo <persona/argumento> stupid, silly

ay, qué estúpida soy! — oh, how stupid of me!
II
- da masculino, femenino idiot, fool

el estúpido de mi hermano — my stupid brother

* * *

= crazy [crazier -comp., craziest -sup.], dummy, foolish, silly, mindless, moron, stupid, daft [dafter -comp., daftest -sup.], mad, dumb [dumber -comp., dumbest -sup.], nuts, witless, bonehead, boneheaded, twit, dolally tap, dolally [do-lally], imbecile, cretinous, arsehole [asshole, -USA], brainless, dimwit, dim-witted [dimwitted], twat, nonsensical, mug, berk, prick, cretin, dumbbell, dull-witted, asinine, lemon, ditsy [ditsier -comp., ditsiest -sup.], dits, ditz, ditzy [ditzier -comp., ditziest -sup.], airhead, airheaded, duffer, schmuck, schmo, nonce, moke, twerp, dweeb, chump, birdbrained, birdbrain, off + Posesivo + knocker, off + Posesivo + rocker, dork, moonstruck, plonker.

Ex: Lest it appear that Ms Marshall's committee and a few others of us, notoriously associated with that kind of work, are little more than crazy, fire-breathing radicals, let me add this gloss immediately.

Ex: We are too prone to be dummy people by day, and thinking, articulate individuals only in the safety of home and leisure.

Ex: It would be uneconomic and foolish to persevere with human assignment of controlled-language terms.

Ex: In conclusion, I am sure you all believe me to be either idealistic, unrealistic, radical, or just plain silly.

Ex: By this later period pressmen in England were despised as mere 'horses', the 'great guzzlers of beer' who were rebuked by the young Benjamin Franklin for their mindless intemperance.

Ex: This thesaurus contains a number of wretched, insensitive cross-references, like from Dumb to DEAF, and from Feeble minded, Imbecility, and morons to MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

Ex: When any librarian is trying to find material on behalf of a user from a poor citation it leads to that librarian appearing slow and stupid to the user.

Ex: Ranking among the dafter exercises sometimes imposed on children is the one that requires them to describe a screwdriver or a vase or the desks they sit at, or any familiar object.

Ex: When J D Brown allowed the public of Islington to have open access to the books in the 1890s he was regarded by many of his colleagues as mad!.

Ex: Techniques such as the automatic detection of anaphora enable systems to appear to be intelligent rather than dumb.

Ex: I think some people would think my approach is nuts.

Ex: She refutes the idea of the women's magazine as a 'mouthpiece of masculine interest, of patriarchy and commercialism' that preyed on 'passive, dependent, and witless' women readers.

Ex: The article is entitled 'Field Research for Boneheads: From Naivete to Insight on the Green Tortoise'.

Ex: That was a big boneheaded error.

Ex: Democracy's a nice idea in theory, if it wasn't for all the twits.

Ex: Now I know this country of ours is totally dolally tap!.

Ex: The server has gone dolally by the looks of it.

Ex: The same evil is done in slaving, tormenting and killing, say, chimpanzees as is done in so injuring human imbeciles.

Ex: It is already evident that he is a cretinous buffoon.

Ex: Modern preppies try to be assholes, probably because they think it's cool, and never quite make it.

Ex: From that point on, the film is not only stupid, it's dim-witted, brainless and obtuse to the point of being insulting to the audience.

Ex: The diplomats have been calling him a lucky dimwit ever since.

Ex: From that point on, the film is not only stupid, it's dim-witted, brainless and obtuse to the point of being insulting to the audience.

Ex: I don't really care if he does like real ale, even if his arse was hung with diamonds he would still be a twat.

Ex: Parental protectiveness of children is surely a good thing if sensibly applied, but this nonsensical double standard doesn't help anyone.

Ex: By this time, firecrackers and fireworks were being let off willy-nilly in the streets by any mug with a match.

Ex: And before some berk starts whittling on about anti-car lobbies, we should all be lobbying for less car use if we've got any interest whatsoever in the future.

Ex: Steve knows that he is a 'showboat, a little bit of a prick,' but he also knows that it's too late for a man in his fifties to change.

Ex: Cretin is a word derived from an 18th century Swiss-French word meaning Christian.

Ex: The Wizard, played by Joel Grey, is a smooth-talking dumbbell who admits he is 'a corn-fed hick' and 'one of your dime-a-dozen mediocrities'.

Ex: An army without culture is a dull-witted army, and a dull-witted army cannot defeat the enemy.

Ex: This chapter is dedicated to the truly asinine rules -- ones which either defeat their own purpose altogether or are completely devoid of common sense.

Ex: The court also heard the victim's brother accuse the defendant of physical abuse and of calling him a ' lemon and a retard'.

Ex: If there is a stereo type for ditsy blondes she really has gone out of her way to fit it perfectly.

Ex: But then again, there are thousands of such ditses out there that need mental help.

Ex: She might be a ditz, you can do that with the money she makes, if she wasn't so rich she'd be just another ditzy broad.

Ex: She might be a ditz, you can do that with the money she makes, if she wasn't so rich she'd be just another ditzy broad.

Ex: Some people like airheads with fake boobs.

Ex: She's just an airheaded bimbo, with an endless capacity to push aside unpleasant realities in favor of her more satisfying interests: young men and jewels.

Ex: Plus, no matter what she did to stop people from picking on her she always ended up being called a duffer.

Ex: Schmuck entered English as a borrowed word from Yiddish, where it is an obscene term literally meaning a foreskin or head of a penis, and an insult.

Ex: This team of schmoes is capable of anything.

Ex: Justin, whilst clearly a nonce, is to be commended on instigating a high-profile campaign to free the hostages.

Ex: States know better what their own citizens needs are than do the mokes in Washington.

Ex: He started life as a twerp, then fairly quickly became a jerk and ended up an old sourpuss.

Ex: For this reason, I will probably not vote in the London mayoral election at all and this doesn't make me a whinging negativist dweeb.

Ex: Americans are such chumps, because we refuse to see what is going on right in front of our eyes.

Ex: She has her own birdbrained way of thinking about things, but most of what she says is vaguely prophetic.

Ex: I am thinking humans can be such birdbrains when it comes to communication.

Ex: Every firearm hast its pros and cons and anyone who tells you otherwise is off their knocker.

Ex: I find it fascinating how Bradley can be perfectly reasonable one moment, and off his rocker the next.

Ex: And then we get nongs like Joe here who just cant help himself from being a dork.

Ex: ' Moonstruck' has all the fun of movies about weddings: a reluctant groom, an overeager bride, and an emotionally distraught family.

Ex: If she'd been my daughter in fact I'd never have let her go out with an obvious plonker like myself.

* algo estúpido = no-brainer.

* como un estúpido = stupidly.

* hacerse el estúpido = dumb down, act + dumb.

* lo suficientemente estúpido como para = dumb enough to.

* rubia estúpida = dumb blonde.

* ser estúpido = be off + Posesivo + rocker.

* típica rubia estúpida = bimbo.

* volverse estúpido = go off + Posesivo + rocker.

* * *

estúpido¹ -da

adjective

‹persona› stupid; ‹argumento› stupid, silly

ay, qué estúpida, me equivoqué oh, how stupid of me, I've done it wrong

un gasto estúpido a stupid waste of money

es estúpido que vayamos las dos it's silly o stupid for us both to go

estúpido² -da

masculine, feminine

idiot, fool

el estúpido de mi hermano my stupid brother

* * *

estúpido
◊ -da adjetivo ‹ persona› stupid;

‹ argumento› stupid, silly;
◊ ¡ay, qué estúpida soy! oh, how stupid of me!

■ sustantivo masculino, femenino
idiot, fool
estúpido,-a
I adjetivo stupid
II sustantivo masculino y femenino idiot

' estúpido' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
burra
- burro
- estúpida
- animal
- apendejarse
- baboso
- caballo
- el
- embromar
- gafo
- huevón
- pendejo
English:
also
- believe
- bit
- bonehead
- bozo
- damn
- dopey
- equally
- foolish
- goof
- idiotic
- mindless
- obtuse
- pretty
- shame
- soft
- stupid
- that
- wonder
- inane
- jerk

* * *

estúpido, -a

♦ adj

stupid;

¡qué estúpido soy! me he vuelto a olvidar what an idiot I am! I've gone and forgotten again;

sería estúpido no reconocerlo it would be foolish not to admit it

♦ nm,f

idiot;

el estúpido de mi vecino my idiot of a neighbour

* * *

estúpido

I adj stupid

II m, estúpida f idiot

* * *

estúpido, -da adj

: stupid

♦ estúpidamente adj

estúpido, -da n

idiota: idiot, fool

* * *

estúpido¹ adj stupid [comp. stupider; superl. stupidest]

estúpido² n stupid person / idiot

Spanish-English dictionary > estúpido

20 wat

wat¹

〈 bijwoord〉

1 [enigszins] somewhat ⇒ rather, 〈 een beetje〉 a little/bit

2 [in hoge mate] very ⇒ extremely

3 [met betrekking tot verbazing/verbijstering] isn't it/that/he 〈enz.〉 …, aren't they/those 〈enz.〉 … ⇒ how

4 [waarom] why

♦voorbeelden:

1   hij is wat traag • he is a little slow/on the slow side

2   hij is er wat blij mee/trots op • he is extremely pleased with/proud of it

     zo eerlijk als wat • as honest as they come

     zo gemakkelijk als wat • as easy as can be/ 〈 informeel〉 as falling off a log

3   wat duur!/laat!/mooi! • isn't it/aren't they 〈enz.〉expensive/late/beautiful!

     wat lief van je! • how nice of you!

     〈 ironisch〉 wat ben je weer vriendelijk • I see you're your usual friendly self again

     wat is het koud! • isn't it cold!, what cold weather!

     wat ze niet verzinnen tegenwoordig • the things they come up with these days

     wat wil je nog meer? • what more do you want?

     wat zal hij blij zijn! • how happy/pleased he will be!

     〈 ironisch〉 wat zijn we weer leuk • (are you) trying to be funny?

4   wat lacht hij toch? • what's he laughing for/at?

————————

wat²

I 〈 betrekkelijk voornaamwoord〉

1 [met woord(groep) als antecedent] that; 〈 na iets, dat( gene)〉 which

2 [zonder antecedent] what

3 [met voorafgaande zin als antecedent] which

♦voorbeelden:

1   geef hem wat hij nodig heeft • give him what he needs

     alles wat je zegt, klopt • everything you say is true

     dat wat • what

2   en wat nog belangrijker is • and what's (even) more (important)

     wat mij aangaat • as for me, as far as I am concerned

     wat dit betreft • as far as this is concerned

     doe nou maar wat ik zeg/wat je gezegd wordt • just do as I say/you're told

     je kunt doen en laten wat je wilt • you can do what/as you please/like/want

     ik zal doen wat ik kan • I'll do what(ever) I can

     je kunt zeggen wat je wilt, maar verlegen is ze niet • (you can) say what you like, (but) she certainly is not shy

3   hij zei dat hij het niet gemerkt had, wat natuurlijk niet waar was • he said he hadn't noticed, which was not true obviously

     ze zag eruit als een verpleegster, wat ze ook was • she looked like a nurse, which in fact she was too

II 〈 vragend voornaamwoord〉

1 [zelfstandig/bijvoeglijk gebruikt] what ⇒ 〈 bij beperkte keuze〉 which, 〈 verbazing uitdrukkend〉 whatever

2 [waarom] why

♦voorbeelden:

1   wat bedoel je? • what(ever) do you mean?; 〈 sterker of ironisch〉 what(ever) are you talking about?

     wat bedoel je daar nou mee? • just what do you mean by that?; 〈 sterker〉 just what is that supposed to mean?

     wát ga je doen? • you are going to do what?

     wat heb je 't liefste, koffie of thee? • which do you prefer, coffee or tea?

     wat is er? • what's the matter?

     wat krijgen we nou? • what's this supposed to mean?; 〈 van politieagent〉 what's all this then?

     (en?) wat mag het zijn? • 〈 met betrekking tot drankje〉 what would you like (to drink); 〈 door winkelbediende gezegd〉 can I help you?

     wat zeg je? • what did you say?; 〈 informeel〉 sorry?, what?, come again; 〈 beleefd〉 (I beg your) pardon?

     wat zou dat? • what of it?

     wat dan nog? • so what?, what of it?

     wat is het voor iemand? • what's he/she like?

     wat voor weer is het? • what's the weather like (outside)?

     wat voor een naam is dat?! • what kind of name is that?!

III 〈 onbepaald voornaamwoord〉

1 something ⇒ 〈 om het even wat〉 anything, 〈met ‘ook’〉 whatever

♦voorbeelden:

1   ze heeft wel wat • she's got a certain something

     daar vraag je me wat • now you're asking

     wil je wat drinken? • would you like something to drink?

     misschien wordt het wel wat tussen die twee • it may come to something between those two

     ik zal je eens wat zeggen • (just) listen (to me)!; 〈 sterker, als uitdaging〉 just you listen to me!

     ik zie wat • I (can) see something

     zie jij wat? • do/can you see anything?

     daar zit wat in • there's something to/in it

     het is altijd wat met hem • there's always something up with him

     wat er ook gebeurt, blijf kalm • whatever happens, stay calm

IV 〈 uitroepend voornaamwoord〉

1 what

♦voorbeelden:

1   wat kun jij mooi tekenen • how well you draw!

     wat kun jij liegen, zeg • what a(n awful) liar you are!

     wat een mooie benen! • look at those legs!

     wat een onzin • what (absolute) nonsense

————————

wat³

〈 hoofdtelwoord〉

1 some ⇒ a bit (of), a little 〈+ enkelvoud〉, a few 〈+ meervoud〉

♦voorbeelden:

1   geef me wat suiker/geld • give me some sugar/money

     geef mij ook wat • let me have some too

     wat meer • a bit/little more

     wat minder • a bit/little less

     een stuk of wat • two or three

     een dag of wat • a day or so/two

¶   heel wat boeken • quite a few books; 〈 informeel〉 a whole lot of books

     heel wat verdienen • earn quite a bit

     dat scheelt heel wat/nogal wat • that makes quite a (bit of a) difference

————————

wat⁴

〈 tussenwerpsel〉

1 what

♦voorbeelden:

1   wat! komt hij niet? • what! isn't he coming?

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См. также в других словарях:

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Словари и энциклопедии на Академике

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a little (bit) less

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Словари и энциклопедии на Академике

Перевод: со всех языков на английский

a little (bit) less

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