How do you say few in Spanish?

Few in Spanish is pocos (masculine) or pocas (feminine). For the more positive a few, you can use algunos/algunas or unos cuantos/unas cuantas, which sound less restrictive.

What is the difference between pocos and algunos?

Pocos carries a slightly negative connotation of not enough or limited quantity. Algunos is more neutral and simply means some or a few without implying scarcity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize shortage or just indicate a small amount.

How do I use poco versus pocos?

Poco (singular) is used with uncountable nouns: poco tiempo (little time), poca agua (little water). Pocos (plural) is used with countable nouns: pocos libros (few books), pocas opciones (few options). The key distinction is countability.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Few in Spanish: Pocos

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Pocos · adjective · POH-kohs

Pocos is the Spanish word for few, indicating a small number of something. It changes for gender and number: poco (masculine singular), poca (feminine singular), pocos (masculine plural), pocas (feminine plural). For the more neutral a few, algunos or unos cuantos are common alternatives.

Pronounce pocos as POH-kohs, with stress on the first syllable. The word is short and crisp with two clean syllables.

Solo quedan pocos días de vacaciones.

There are only a few vacation days left.

Few in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for few, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
pocos	few	POH-kohs	Default, widely understood
algunos	few		a few, some — more neutral than pocos
unos cuantos	few		a handful, a few

How Native Speakers Use Pocos

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Expressing scarcity

Hay pocos asientos disponibles en el vuelo.

There are few seats available on the flight.

Pocos emphasizes the limited quantity and can carry a slightly negative tone.

A few (neutral tone)

Tengo algunos amigos en la ciudad.

I have a few friends in the city.

Algunos is warmer and more neutral than pocos, which can imply not enough.

A handful of something

Solo conozco a unos cuantos vecinos del edificio.

I only know a few of the neighbors in the building.

Unos cuantos is casual and implies a small but nonspecific number.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Pocos

Using poco without gender agreement

Incorrect: Hay poco personas aquí.

Correct: Hay pocas personas aquí.

Poco must agree with the noun in gender and number. Personas is feminine plural, so pocas is required.

Confusing pocos with un poco

Incorrect: Quiero pocos de agua.

Correct: Quiero un poco de agua.

Pocos means few (countable items), while un poco means a little (uncountable quantity). Water is uncountable, so un poco de agua is correct.

Lock in Few Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Pocos used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using pocos in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Solo quedan pocos días de vacaciones. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Few in Spanish

How do you say few in Spanish?: Few in Spanish is pocos (masculine) or pocas (feminine). For the more positive a few, you can use algunos/algunas or unos cuantos/unas cuantas, which sound less restrictive.
What is the difference between pocos and algunos?: Pocos carries a slightly negative connotation of not enough or limited quantity. Algunos is more neutral and simply means some or a few without implying scarcity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize shortage or just indicate a small amount.
How do I use poco versus pocos?: Poco (singular) is used with uncountable nouns: poco tiempo (little time), poca agua (little water). Pocos (plural) is used with countable nouns: pocos libros (few books), pocas opciones (few options). The key distinction is countability.