they came while we were away

notʀ

notʀ

1. adv. - 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

- hacer falta
- hacerse Para las expresiones hacer añicos, hacer gracia, hacerse ilusiones, hacer pedazos, hacerse de rogar, hacer el tonto, hacer las veces de ver la otra entrada. + infin hacer de (Teat) to play the part of hacer por (=intentar) 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Ex: In lists designed for international use a symbolic notation instead of textual notes may be used.

Ex: When I saw what he was up to, I drew back for a punch and hit him so hard on the nose that he fell on his back and lay there for some time, so that his wife stood over him and cried out 'Mercy! You've done my husband in!'.

Ex: As usage of the language causes terms to become anachronistic, or as increases in our level of awareness reveal undesirable connotations, we seek to change subject heading terms.

Ex: Obviously, this tagging must be conducted manually.

Ex: In all these cases where scientists studied what crafstmen knew how to do the resulting benefits have accrued to science not to technology.

Ex: Special classification schemes are generally devised for an application in which no major general scheme is suitable.

Ex: The present OCLC system does not produce catalog cards in sets, but if it did it could produce over 6,000 different sets for one title.

Ex: So strongly was it felt by proponents of change that just such unconscious biases rendered libraries 'part of the problem, instead of the solution'.

Ex: There have never been any attempts to compose a bibliography of US government documents relating to international law.

Ex: This concept comes mainly from the military, where a designated number of troops make a squad, a platoon, a regiment, etc..

Ex: The article is entitled 'A list of lists of Web sites to check out: getting organized and getting around to it are two different things'.

Ex: The cards for those headings should be removed from the index and new cards made out if necessary.

Ex: The government have been making noises about it for some time but haven't quite got round to it.

Ex: The goddess owned a potent magick cauldron in which she planned to brew a special liquid for her ugly son.

* acceder haciendo clic = click.

* acusación + hacer = accusation + level.

* aguja de hacer croché = crochet hook, crochet needle.

* aguja de hacer ganchillo = crochet hook, crochet needle.

* aguja de hacer punto = knitting needle.

* algo diverto que hacer = fun thing to do.

* Algo que se hace para matar el tiempo = time filler.

* al hacer esto = by so doing, in so doing, by doing so, in doing so.

* a medio hacer = halfway done, half done.

* anunciado desde hace tiempo = long-heralded.

* aprender haciendo = learn by + doing.

* batir hasta hacer espuma = work up + a lather.

* ¡bien hecho! = the way to go!.

* buscar una forma de hacer (algo) = develop + way + to make + Nombre.

* contenedor para hacer compost = compost bin.

* continuar con el buen hacer = keep up + the good work, keep up + the great work.

* continuar haciendo algo = get on with + Nombre.

* cuando hace frío = in the cold.

* cumplido hace tiempo = long overdue.

* decidir hacer = spring for.

* decidir qué hacer con = make + disposition of.

* de hace años = of years ago.

* de hace muchos años = long-standing.

* de hace mucho tiempo = age-old, long-lost.

* de hace siglos = of yore.

* de hace varios siglos = centuries-old.

* dejar de hacer huelga = cross + the picket line.

* dejar que Alguien haga las cosas a su manera = let + Nombre + do things + Posesivo + (own) way.

* dejar sin hacer = leave + undone.

* desde hace algún tiempo = for some time past, for days.

* desde hace años = over the years, for years past, for years.

* desde hace la tira (de tiempo) = for yonks, for yonks and yonks.

* desde hace muchísimo tiempo = in ages (and ages and ages).

* desde hace muchos años = for years.

* desde hace mucho tiempo = for ages, long-time [longtime], long since, in ages (and ages and ages).

* desde hace siglos = for yonks, for yonks and yonks.

* desde hace tanto tiempo = so long.

* desde hace tiempo = long [longer -comp., longest -sup.], over the years, for a long time, long since, for some time.

* desde hace un montonazo de tiempo = for yonks and yonks.

* desde hace un montón de tiempo = for yonks.

* desde hace un par de + Tiempo = in these past couple of + Tiempo.

* desde hace varios años + Presente = for several years + Pretérito Perfecto.

* desde hace ya algún tiempo = for some time now.

* desde hace ya años = for years now.

* difícil de hacer = hard to do.

* donde fueres haz lo que vieres = when in Rome (do as the Romans do).

* dos entuertos no hacen un derecho = two wrongs do not make a right.

* el que las hace, las paga = you've made your bed, now you must lie in it!.

* encargado de hacer el presupuesto = budgetmaker.

* esfuerzo + hacer sudar = work up + a lather.

* es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo = easier said than done.

* esperado hace tiempo = overdue.

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

* establecido desde hace tiempo = long-established.

* estar haciendo = be up to.

* estar haciendo Algo = have + Nombre + on the go.

* estar haciendo algo que no se debe = be up to no good.

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

* existir desde hace años = be around for years.

* frotar hasta hacer espuma = lather.

* hace algunos años = some years ago.

* hace algún tiempo = some time ago, a while back, some while ago, sometime back.

* hace años = years ago.

* hace demasiado tiempo = too long ago.

* hacer huir en batalla = route.

* hace la tira (de tiempo) = yonks, yonks and yonks.

* hace miles de años = aeons ago.

* hace muchas lunas = all those many moons ago, many moons ago.

* hace muchísimos años = a great many years ago.

* hace muchísimo tiempo = ages (and ages) ago, aeons ago, yonks.

* hace muchos años = many years ago.

* hace mucho tiempo = long since, all those many moons ago, many moons ago.

* hace muy poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hace + Número + años = Número + years ago.

* hace poco tiempo = a short time ago.

* hacer a Alguien pasar vergüenza = embarrass.

* hacer a Alguien precavido = put + Nombre + on + Posesivo + guard.

* hacer abono orgánico = compost.

* hacer acampada = camp.

* hacer accesible a través de = make + available through.

* hacer ademanes = flail about, gesticulate.

* hacer aflorar = bring to + the surface.

* hacer aflorar sentimientos de antagonismo = bring to + the surface + feelings of antagonism.

* hacer ágil = limber up.

* hacer agua = Negativo + hold + water.

* hacer agua(s) = spring + a leak.

* hacer a gusto del consumidor = make to + order.

* hacer ajustes = make + adjustment.

* hacer alarde de = boast, flaunt, brag, show off.

* hacer alegaciones = plead.

* hacer Algo a hurtadillas = sneak.

* hacer algo alocado = do + something footloose and fancy-free.

* hacer algo al respecto = do + something about it.

* hacer Algo con dificultad = muddle through, plod (along/through).

* hacer Algo con mucho esfuerzo = plod (along/through).

* hacer algo con respecto a = do + something about.

* hacer Algo de cara a la galería = play to + the gallery.

* hacer Algo en exceso = push + Nombre + too far.

* hacer algo funcionar = make + Nombre + tick.

* hacer Algo muy bien = do + an excellent job of, make + an excellent job of.

* hacer Algo para la galería = play to + the gallery.

* hacer algo poco a poco = eat away at.

* hacer algo por amor al arte = labour of love.

* hacer Algo por + Posesivo + propia cuenta = make + Posesivo + own arrangements.

* hacer Algo posible = make + provision for.

* hacer Algo puré = mash.

* hacer Algo rápidamente = put together.

* hacer Algo realidad = make + Nombre + come true.

* hacer Algo sin ser visto = sneak.

* hacer Algo sobre la marcha = play + Nombre + by ear.

* hacer Algo trocitos = tear + Nombre + to shreds, tear + Nombre + to bits.

* hacer algunos comentarios sobre lo que Alguien ha dicho = take + a few cracks at.

* hacer alusión a = make + allusion to, make + reference to.

* hacer a mano = handcraft.

* hacer a medida = custom-make, make to + order.

* hacer a medida para satisfacer los requisitos = tailor to + meet the specification.

* hacer amigos = win + friends.

* hacer amistad = make + friend.

* hacer amistad con = make + friends with, befriend.

* hacer amistades = friend.

* hacer ampollas = blister.

* hacer anotaciones = annotate, mark + Nombre + up.

* hacer añicos = shatter, blow + Nombre + to bits, smash + Nombre + to bits, tear + Nombre + to bits.

* hacer aparecer = cause + display of.

* hacer a partir de = make out of.

* hacer apología = make + apology.

* hacer arreglos florales = arrange + flowers.

* hacer artesanalmente = handcraft.

* hacer asequible = make + amenable.

* hacer atractivo = endear.

* hacer a un lado = nudge + Nombre + aside, push aside.

* hacer autostop = thumb + a lift, hitch + a ride.

* hacer avances = make + headway.

* hacer avanzar = nudge + Nombre + forward, push + the frontiers of, nudge + Nombre + along, nudge + Nombre + into, push + the boundaries of.

* hacer avanzar el conocimiento = push back + the frontiers of knowledge.

* hacer avanzar hacia = nudge + Nombre + toward.

* hacer averiguaciones = make + enquiry.

* hacer bajar = force down.

* hacer balance de = take + stock of.

* hacer barrabasadas = play + pranks.

* hacer basto = coarsen.

* hacer bien = do + good.

* hacer borrón y cuenta nueva = start with + a clean slate, cut + Posesivo + losses, turn over + a new leaf.

* hacer borroso = blur.

* hacer bromas = banter.

* hacer bucles = loop.

* hacer buenas migas = hit it off.

* hacer buen uso de Algo = put to + good use.

* hacer bulla = kick up + a stink, kick up + a fuss, raise + a stink, make + a stink (about), make + a racket, make + a row, make + a ruckus, kick up + a row.

* hacer bulto = bulge.

* hacer búsquedas en = search through.

* hacer caca = take + a dump.

* hacer caer = oust.

* hacer caja = tally up + sales, balance + the cash, reconcile (with), balance + the cash drawer.

* hacer caja con = cash in on, ride (on) + Posesivo + coattails.

* hacer callar = shush, hush, quieten.

* hacer cambiar = swing + Persona.

* hacer cambiar las cosas = turn + the tide on.

* hacer cambios en la búsqueda = renegotiate + search.

* hacer cambios indebidamente = tamper (with).

* hacer campaña = campaign, stump, go out on + the road.

* hacer cara a = brave.

* hacer caso = take + notice, listen (to).

* hacer caso a Alguien = take + Posesivo + word for it.

* hacer caso (a/de) = pay + attention to.

* hacer caso omiso = disregard, brush aside, go + unheeded, fall on + deaf ears, meet + deaf ears, thumb + Posesivo + nose at, dismiss with + the wave of the hand, fly in + the face of, push aside.

* hacer caso omiso de = be oblivious of/to.

* hacer chanchullos = fiddle.

* hacer chatting = chat.

* hacer circular = pass around.

* hacer circular por = circulate round.

* hacer cisco = tear + apart, wipe + the floor with.

* hacer coincidir (con) = reconcile (with).

* hacer cola = queue up.

* hacer colectas = exact + contributions.

* hacer comentarios = air + comments.

* hacer como el avestruz = bury + Posesivo + head in the sand (like an ostrich), stick + Posesivo + head in the sand.

* hacer como si nada = play it + cool.

* hacer comparaciones = draw + comparisons, make + comparisons.

* hacer comparecer = arraign.

* hacer compatible (con) = reconcile (with).

* hacer compost = compost.

* hacer compras = do + shopping.

* hacer comprender = bring + home.

* hacer con Alguien lo que Uno quiera = be like putty in + Posesivo + hands.

* hacer concesiones = make + allowances.

* hacer conjeturas = speculate.

* hacer constar = state.

* hacer contrabando = smuggle.

* hacer copias = make + multiple copies.

* hacer copias mediante multicopista por disolvente = spirit duplication.

* hacer correr la voz = spread + the word, spread + the good word, pass on + the good word, spread + the news.

* hacer cosas = get + things done.

* hacer cosquillas = tickle.

* hacer creer = lead to + believe, lull + Nombre + into thinking.

* hacer crítica = find + fault with.

* hacer croché = crochet.

* hacer cuadrar (con) = reconcile (with).

* hacer cuadrar las cuentas = reconcile + receipts.

* hacer cuadras las facturas = reconcile + receipts.

* hacer cualquier cosa = do + anything, give + Posesivo + right arm.

* hacer cumplir = uphold.

* hacer cumplir la disciplina = enforce + discipline.

* hacer cumplir la legislación = enforce + legislation.

* hacer cumplir la ley = law enforcement, enforce + law, legal enforcement.

* hacer cumplir una norma = enforce + standard.

* hacer cumplir una política = uphold + policy.

* hacer cumplir unas normas = enforce + policy.

* hacer daño = do + harm, hurt.

* hacer dar vueltas = gyrate.

* hacer de = make out of.

* hacer de carabina = play + gooseberry.

* hacer declamaciones = declaim.

* hacer dedo = hitch + a ride, thumb + a lift.

* hacer de la noche día = burn + the candle at both ends.

* hacer del mismo molde = cast in + the same mould as.

* hacer de nuevo = redo [re-do], remake.

* hacer de + Posesivo + parte = do + Posesivo + bit.

* hacer derretir el hielo = de-ice [deice].

* hacer desaparecer = eradicate, dispel, banish.

* hacer desaparecer una división = blur + division.

* hacer desaparecer un mito = dispel + myth.

* hacer descuento = discount.

* hacer desfilar = parade.

* hacer detonar = detonate.

* hacer de tripas corazón = bite + the bullet.

* hacer diabluras = play + pranks.

* hacer diana = hit + home.

* hacer difícil = make + it + difficult, make + difficult.

* hacer dinero = make + money.

* hacer dudar = make + Nombre + doubt, misgive.

* hacer eco = echo, resonate.

* hacer eco de = echo.

* hacer efectivo = cash in.

* hacer efectivo en metálico = pay in + cash.

* hacer ejercicio físico = work out.

* hacer ejercicios de calentamiento = limber up.

* hacer el aire irrespirable = choke + the air.

* hacer el amor = make + love.

* hacer el avío = get + ready.

* hacer el balance de cuentas = balance + the cash, balance + the cash drawer.

* hacer el cambio = make + the change.

* hacer el chorra = pissing into the wind.

* hacer el deber de Uno = do + Posesivo + part.

* hacer el dobladillo = hem.

* hacer elección = make + choices.

* hacer el esfuerzo necesario = pull + Posesivo + (own) weight.

* hacer el indio = horse around/about.

* hacer el intento = have + a go, give + it a shot, give + Nombre + a try, have + a stab at, take + a stab at, make + a stab at, give + it a whirl, give + it a try.

* hacer el mal = do + evil.

* hacer el mejor uso de = make + the best of.

* hacer el monigote = fool around.

* hacer el paripé = keep up + facade, put on + an act.

* hacer el pasillo = form + a guard of honour.

* hacer el pasillo de honor = form + a guard of honour.

* hacer el recorrido normal = make + the rounds.

* hacer el ridículo = make + a fool of + Reflexivo, make + an arse of + Reflexivo, make + a spectacle of + Reflexivo.

* hacer el testamento = testate.

* hacer el tonto = fool around, horse around/about.

* hacer el último esfuerzo = go + the last mile, go + the extra mile.

* hacer encaje = tat.

* hacer encaje de bolillos = do + the impossible, jump through + hoops, double over + backwards.

* hacer encaje de bolillos para que cuadre Algo = juggle.

* hacer encargos = run + errands.

* hacer enemigos = make + enemies.

* hacer entender = get across.

* hacer erupción = erupt.

* hacer escala = stop over.

* hacer eses = zigzag.

* hacer esperar = cool + Posesivo + heels.

* hacer espuma = work up + a lather, froth.

* hacer esquina con = form + right angles with.

* hacer estallar = spark, ignite, touch off, blow up, let off.

* hacer estallar en añicos = blow + sky high.

* hacer estallar una bomba = bomb.

* hacer estallar un guerra = ignite + war.

* hacer esto = go along + this road.

* hacer esto y aquello de un modo relajado = mess about, pootle, piddle around.

* hacer esto y aquello de un modo relajado = mess around.

* hacer esto y aquello sin prisas = pootle.

* hacer estragos = lay + waste to, create + havoc, wreak + havoc, cause + havoc, take + Posesivo + toll (on).

* hacer estragos en = play + havoc with.

* hacer estrías = rifle.

* hacer exenciones = make + exemptions.

* hacer experimentos = institute + experiments.

* hacer explícito = make + explicit.

* hacer explotar = blow up.

* hacer extensivo + Posesivo + agradecimiento = extend + Posesivo + thanks.

* hacer factible = make + feasible.

* hacer falta = need, must, have to, it + take.

* hacer flexible = limber up.

* hacer fortuna = make + Posesivo + fortune, make + a fortune, strike + it rich, strike + gold, hit + the jackpot.

* hacer fotocopias = photoduplication [photo-duplication].

* hacer fotografía = make + picture.

* hacer fracasar = foil, derail.

* hacer frente = combat, come to + terms with, contain, address + Nombre + head-on, meet + Nombre + head-on, tackle + Nombre + head-on, face + Nombre + head-on, engage.

* hacer frente a = confront, deal with, face, face up to, meet, cope with, wrestle with, stand up to, brave, breast, address.

* hacer frente a deudas = meet + debts.

* hacer frente a gastos = meet + expenses.

* hacer frente a la delincuencia = tackle + crime.

* hacer frente a la inflación = combat + inflation.

* hacer frente a la realidad = confront + reality, face + (the) facts, face + (up to) the fact that, face + reality.

* hacer frente a la realidad (de que) = face + the truth (that).

* hacer frente a las diferencias = face + differences.

* hacer frente a la situación = tackle + situation.

* hacer frente a la vida = cope.

* hacer frente al cambio = manage + change.

* hacer frente al futuro = face up to + the future.

* hacer frente al hecho de que = face + (up to) the fact that.

* hacer frente a los elementos = brave + the elements.

* hacer frente a los hechos = face + facts.

* hacer frente a tiempos difíciles = cope with + difficult times, cope with + difficult times.

* hacer frente a una amenaza = address + threat.

* hacer frente a una crisis = face + crisis, meet + crisis.

* hacer frente a una incertidumbre = meet + uncertainty.

* hacer frente a una necesidad = meet + need, serve + need.

* hacer frente a una responsabilidad = meet + responsibility, face up to + responsibility.

* hacer frente a un cambio = meet + change.

* hacer frente a un gasto = meet + cost.

* hacer frente a un problema = attack + problem, combat + problem, wrestle with + problem.

* hacer frente a un reto = rise (up) to + challenge, confront + challenge, meet + challenge, embrace + challenge.

* hacer fresco = be cool.

* hacer funcionar = service, do + the trick.

* hacer gala de = sport.

* hacer gala del conocimiento que uno tiene = air + knowledge.

* hacer ganchillo = crochet.

* hacer garabatos = scribble, scrawl, doodle.

* hacer girar = twiddle, twirl.

* hacer gozar = delight.

* hacer gracia = tickle + Posesivo + fancy.

* hacer grandes esfuerzos por = take + (great) pains to.

* hacer grandes progresos = make + great strides.

* hacer guardar silencio = shush.

* hacer hasta la presente = do + all along.

* hacer hidrófugo = render + water-repellent.

* hacer hincapié = emphasise [emphasize, -USA].

* hacer hincapié en = put + a premium on.

* hacer hincapié en una idea = hammer + point.

* hacer historia = make + history, history in the making, go down in + history.

* hacer honor al nombre de Uno = live up to + Posesivo + name.

* hacer horas extraordinarias = work + overtime.

* hacer horas extras = work + overtime.

* hacer hueco = make + room (for).

* hacer huelga = strike.

* hacer huella = leave + an impression, touch + Posesivo + life, leave + Posesivo + mark, cut + a swath(e), leave + an imprint, make + an impression.

* hacer huir = drive away, chase + Nombre + off.

* hacer imaginar = conjure up + an image of, conjure up + a vision of.

* hacer impermeable = render + water-repellent.

* hacer inalterable = set in + stone, set in + tablets of stone.

* hacer incomprensible = render + incomprehensible, garble.

* hacer indescifrable = render + indecipherable, garble.

* hacer innecesario = obviate + the need for, make + redundant.

* hacer insinuaciones = make + innuendoes.

* hacer insinuaciones sobre = make + noises about, make + a noise about.

* hacer insoluble = render + insoluble.

* hacer inutilizable = render + useless.

* hacer juego con = go with.

* hacer juegos malabares = juggle.

* hacer juegos malabares para que cuadre Algo = juggle.

* hacer justicia = do + justice.

* hacer la cama = make + the bed.

* hacer la cuenta = tot up, tote up.

* hacer la guerra = make + war.

* hacer (la) mona = play + hooky, play + truant, skip + class.

* hacer la paz = make + (the) peace.

* hacer la pelota = butter + Nombre + up, toady, fawn (on/upon/over).

* hacer la pelota a + Alguien = curry + favour with + Alguien.

* hacer la pelotilla = toady, butter + Nombre + up.

* hacer la prueba = give + it a whirl, give + it a shot, give + it a try.

* hacer largos = swim + laps.

* hacer las leyes más estrictas = tighten + laws.

* hacer las maletas = pack up, pack + Posesivo + belongings, pack + Posesivo + things, pack + Posesivo + suitcases, pack + Posesivo + bags.

* hacer las paces = heal + the breach, heal + the rift, bury + the hatchet, make + (the) peace, smoke + the peace pipe, smoke + the pipe of peace, bury + the tomahawk, bury + the war axe.

* hacer la transición = make + the transition.

* hacer la vida imposible = make + life hell.

* hacer la vista gorda = look + the other way, turn + a blind eye to, pretend + not to have seen.

* hacerle a Alguien un lavado de cerebro = brainwash.

* hacerle las cosas fáciles a Alguien = play into + the hands of.

* hacerle la vida más simple a todos = simplify + life for everyone.

* hacerle una paja a un muerto = flog + a dead horse, beat + a dead horse, fart + in the wind.

* hacerle un bombo a Alguien = knock + Alguien + up.

* hacer llamada telefónica = make + telephone call.

* hacer llorar = reduce + Nombre + to tears.

* hacer llorar de emoción = move + Nombre + to tears.

* hacerlo = do so, go ahead.

* hacerlo bien = put + matters + right, get + it + right, be right on track.

* hacer lo correcto = do + the right thing.

* hacerlo de nuevo = go and do it again.

* hacerlo difícil de + Infinitivo = make + it + hard to + Infinitivo.

* hacer lo imposible = bend over backwards, do + the impossible, lean over + backwards, double over + backwards.

* hacer lo imposible para = jump through + hoops.

* hacerlo lo mejor que uno pueda = do + Posesivo + utmost, give + Posesivo + utmost, give + Posesivo + best.

* hacerlo mal = get + it + (all) wrong.

* hacer lo más acertado dadas las circunstancias = do + the best thing in the circumstances.

* hacerlo más llevadero = make + life easier.

* hacerlo mejor = do + a better job.

* hacer lo mejor que Uno pueda = put + Posesivo + best into, give of + Posesivo + best.

* hacer lo mejor que Uno puede = try + Posesivo + best, try + Posesivo + heart out.

* hacerlo por uno mismo = do + it + on + Posesivo + own.

* hacer lo que a Uno le de la gana = get away with + murder.

* hacer lo que le corresponde a Uno = do + Posesivo + part.

* hacer lo que uno dice que es capaz de hacer = live up to + Posesivo + claim.

* hacer lo que Uno quiera = get away with + murder.

* hacer los deberes = do + homework.

* hacerlo sin la ayuda de nadie = do + it + on + Posesivo + own.

* hacerlo solo = do + it + on + Posesivo + own.

* hacer los primeros pinitos = take + the first step.

* hacerlo todo excepto = stop at + nothing short of.

* hacerlo todo menos = stop at + nothing short of.

* hacer malabarismos = juggle.

* hacer malabarismos para que cuadre Algo = juggle.

* hacer mandados = run + errands.

* hacer maravillas = work + wonders.

* hacer más consciente de Algo = heighten + awareness.

* hacer más copias de Algo = produce + additional copies.

* hacer más eficiente = streamline.

* hacer más estricto = tighten.

* hacer más fuerte = toughen.

* hacer más inteligente = smarten.

* hacer más interesante = spice up, add + spice.

* hacer más preciso = tightening up.

* hacer más rico = add + richness to.

* hacer más riguroso = tighten, tightening up.

* hacer más sabroso = pep up.

* hacer más sofisticado = dumb up.

* hacer mejor = give + Nombre + an edge.

* hacer mejoras = make + improvements.

* hacer mella = take + Posesivo + toll (on), leave + an impression, touch + Posesivo + life, leave + Posesivo + mark, cut + a swath(e), leave + an imprint, make + an impression, hit + home.

* hacer mella en = dent, make + a dent in, take + a bite out of.

* hacer mención de/a = make + mention of.

* hacer mezcla = mix + cement.

* hacer milagros = work + wonders, work + miracles.

* hacer mucha ilusión = be thrilled.

* hacer mucho = do + much.

* hacer mucho dinero = make + good money, earn + good money.

* hacer mucho por = go + a long way (towards/to/in) + Gerundio.

* hacer muchos aspavientos por Algo = make + a song and dance about.

* hacer mucho tiempo que Algo ha desaparecido = be long gone.

* hacer necesario = render + necessary.

* hacer negocio = make + business.

* hacer negocios = do + business, transact.

* hacer + Nombre + llegar hasta aquí = get + Nombre + this far.

* hacer + Nombre + responsable de = put + Nombre + in the driving seat.

* hacer notar = bring to + Posesivo + attention, bring to + the attention, mark, note, bring to + notice, bring + attention to, bring to + Posesivo + notice.

* hacer notar la presencia de = make + Posesivo + presence felt, make + Posesivo + presence known.

* hacer novillos = play + hooky, skip + class, play + truant, bunk off, bunk + classes, skive, bunk + school.

* hacer nudos = knot.

* hacer objeciones contra = urge against.

* hacer observaciones = comment on/upon.

* hacer obsoleto = make + redundant.

* hacer oídos sordos = turn + a deaf ear to.

* hacer ordinario = coarsen.

* hacer pagar tributos = exact + tributes.

* hacer palmas = clap.

* hacer paradas = make + stops.

* hacer parecer = make + seem, make + Nombre + out to be.

* hacer parecer pequeño = dwarf.

* hacer partícipe = engage.

* hacer pasajero = render + transitory.

* hacer patochadas = fool around.

* hacer payasadas = fool around.

* hacer pedazos = shatter, smash + Nombre + to bits.

* hacer peligrar = place + in jeopardy, imperil, endanger, pose + risk.

* hacer pensar = provoke + thought, make to + think, lull + Nombre + into thinking, summon up + image.

* hacer pensar en = conjure, conjure up + a picture of, bring to + mind, conjure up + an image of, conjure up, conjure up + a vision of.

* hacer pequeños ajustes = tinker + around the edges, tinker with.

* hacer perder el conocimiento = knock + Nombre + out, knock + Nombre + unconscious.

* hacer perder el entusiasmo = dampen + Posesivo + enthusiasm.

* hacer perder el sentido a = make + nonsense of.

* hacer perder la agilidad física = stale.

* hacer perder la agilidad mental = stale.

* hacer perder las esperanzas = dampen + Posesivo + hopes.

* hacer permanente = render + permanent.

* hacer ping = ping.

* hacer pipí = pee.

* hacer pis = piss, pee, take + a leak, have + a leak, widdle, piddle.

* hacer planes = plan, make + plans.

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

* hacer poco = do + little.

* hacer popular = popularise [popularize, -USA].

* hacer por encargo = make to + order.

* hacer + Posesivo + agosto = make + a killing.

* hacer + Posesivo + necesidades = relieve + Reflexivo, go + potty.

* hacer + Posesivo + trabajo = get on with + Posesivo + work, do + Posesivo + business.

* hacer posible = enable, provide for, make + possible, provide + a basis for, make + an opportunity.

* hacer posible el crecimiento = accommodate + growth.

* hacer preguntas = ask + questions, interrogate, air + questions, make + enquiry.

* hacer preparativo = make + arrangements.

 

Multiple Entries:
hacer    
hacer algo
hacer ( conjugate hacer) verbo transitivo
1

‹casa/carretera› to build;
‹ nido› to build, make;
‹ túnel› to make, dig;
‹dibujo/plano› to do, draw;
‹ lista› to make, draw up;
‹ resumen› to do, make;
‹ película› to make;
‹nudo/lazo› to tie;
‹pan/pastel› to make, bake;
‹vino/café/tortilla› to make;
‹ cerveza› to make, brew;

hacen buena pareja they make a lovely couple


estos zapatos me hacen daño these shoes hurt my feet
2

‹ milagro› to work, perform;
‹deberes/ejercicios/limpieza› to do;
‹ mandado› to run;
‹transacción/investigación› to carry out;
‹ experimento› to do, perform;
‹ entrevista› to conduct;
‹gira/viaje› to do;
‹ regalo› to give;
‹ favor› to do;
‹ trato› to make;

aún queda mucho por hacer there is still a lot (left) to do;
dar que hacer to make a lot of work

3 (formular, expresar) ‹declaración/promesa/oferta› to make;
‹proyecto/plan› to make, draw up;
‹crítica/comentario› to make, voice;
‹ pregunta› to ask;

4


hacer pis or pipí (fam) to have a pee (colloq);
hacer sus necesidades (euf) to go to the bathroom o toilet (euph)


5 ( adquirir) ‹dinero/fortuna› to make;
‹ amigo› to make
6 (preparar, arreglar) ‹ cama› to make;
‹ maleta› to pack;

tengo que hacer la comida I must make lunch;
ver tb comida b
7 ( recorrer) ‹trayecto/distancia› to do, cover
8 (en cálculos, enumeraciones):

1


¿hacemos algo esta noche? shall we do something tonight?;
hacer ejercicio to do (some) exercise;
¿hace algún deporte? do you play o do any sports?;
See Also→ amor 1b



2 (realizar cierta acción, actuar de cierta manera) to do;

¡qué le vamos a hacer! what can you o (frml) one do?;
toca bien el piano — antes lo hacía mejor she plays the piano well — she used to play better;
hacerla buena (fam): ¡ahora sí que la hice! now I've really done it!;
See Also→ tonto sustantivo masculino, femenino
1 (transformar en, volver) to make;

hizo pedazos la carta she tore the letter into tiny pieces;
ese vestido te hace más delgada that dress makes you look thinner;
hacer algo de algo to turn sth into sth;
quiero hacer de ti un gran actor I want to make a great actor of you
2


me hizo abrirla he made me open it;
me hizo llorar it made me cry;
hágalo pasar tell him to come in;
me hizo esperar tres horas she kept me waiting for three hours;
hacer que algo/algn haga algo to make sth/sb do sth


hice acortar las cortinas I had o got the curtains shortened
verbo intransitivo
1 (obrar, actuar):

¿cómo se hace para que te den la beca? what do you have to do to get the scholarship?;
hiciste bien en decírmelo you did o were right to tell me;
haces mal en mentir it's wrong of you to lie
2 (fingir, simular):

haz como si no lo conocieras act as if o pretend you don't know him
3 ( servir):

la escuela hizo de hospital the school served as o was used as a hospital
4 ( interpretar personaje) hacer de algo/algn to play (the part of) sth/sb
(+ compl) ( sentar):


(+ me/te/le etc)

la trucha me hizo mal (AmL) the trout didn't agree with me
hacer v impers
1 ( refiriéndose al tiempo atmosférico):

hace tres grados it's three degrees;
(nos) hizo un tiempo espantoso the weather was terrible
2 ( expresando tiempo transcurrido):

hace mucho que lo conozco I've known him for a long time;
hacía años que no lo veía I hadn't seen him for o in years;
¿cuánto hace que se fue? how long ago did she leave?;
hace poco/un año a short time/a year ago;
hasta hace poco until recently
hacerse verbo pronominal
1 ( producirse) (+ me/te/le etc):

se le hizo una ampolla she got a blister;
hacérsele algo a algn (Méx): por fin se le hizo ganar el premio she finally got to win the award
2




se hizo la cirugía estética she had plastic surgery
3 ( causarse):

¿te hiciste daño? did you hurt yourself?
4 ( refiriéndose a necesidades fisiológicas):

5 ( refl) ( adquirir) to make;

1


se están haciendo viejos they are getting o growing old



(+ me/te/le etc)

se me hace difícil creerlo I find it very hard to believe


se está haciendo tarde it's getting late



2 ( acostumbrarse) hacerse a algo to get used to sth
3 ( fingirse):

¿es bobo o se (lo) hace? (fam) is he stupid or just a good actor? (colloq);
hacerse pasar por algn (por periodista, doctor) to pass oneself off as sb
4 ( moverse) (+ compl) to move;

5


( de amigos) to make
hacer
I verbo transitivo
1 (crear, fabricar, construir) to make
hacer un jersey, to make a sweater
hacer un puente, to build a bridge
2 (una acción) to do: eso no se hace, it isn't done
haz lo que quieras, do what you want
¿qué estás haciendo?, (en este momento) what are you doing?
(para vivir) what do you do (for a living)?
hace atletismo, he does athletics
hacer una carrera/ medicina, to do a degree/ medicine
3 (amigos, dinero) to make
4 (obligar, forzar) to make: hazle entrar en razón, make him see reason
5 (causar, provocar) to make: ese hombre me hace reír, that man makes me laugh
estos zapatos me hacen daño, these shoes are hurting me
no hagas llorar a tu hermana, don't make your sister cry
6 (arreglar) to make
hacer la cama, to make the bed
hacer la casa, to do the housework
7 Mat (sumar, dar como resultado) to make: y con éste hacen cincuenta, and that makes fifty
8 (producir una impresión) to make... look: ese vestido la hace mayor, that dress makes her look older
9 (en sustitución de otro verbo) to do: cuido mi jardín, me gusta hacerlo, I look after my garden, I like doing it
10 (representar) to play: Juan hizo un papel en Fuenteovejuna, Juan played a part in Fuenteovejuna
11 (actuar como) to play: no hagas el tonto, don't play the fool
12 (suponer) te hacía en casa, I thought you were at home
II verbo intransitivo
1 (en el teatro, etc) to play: hizo de Electra, she played Electra
2 ( hacer por + infinitivo) to try to: hice por ayudar, I tried to help
3 (simular) to pretend: hice como si no lo conociera, I acted as if I didn't know him
4 fam (venir bien, convenir) to be suitable: si te hace, nos vamos a verle mañana, if it's all right for you, we'll visit him tomorrow
III verbo impersonal
1 (tiempo transcurrido) ago: hace mucho (tiempo), a long time ago
hace tres semanas que no veo la televisión, I haven't watched TV for three weeks
hace tres años que comenzaron las obras, the building works started three years ago
2 (condición atmosférica) hacía mucho frío, it was very cold
¿To make o to do?
El significado básico del verbo to make es construir, fabricar algo juntando los componentes (aquí hacen unos pasteles maravillosos, they make marvellous cakes here), obligar (hazle callar, make him shut up) o convertir: Te hará más fuerte. It'll make you stronger. También se emplea en expresiones compuestas por palabras tales como dinero ( money), ruido ( a noise), cama ( the bed), esfuerzo ( an effort), promesa ( a promise), c omentario ( a comment), amor ( love), guerra ( war).
El significado del verbo to do es cumplir o ejecutar una tarea o actividad, especialmente tratándose de los deportes y las tareas domésticas: Hago mis deberes por la noche. I do my homework in the evening. ¿Quién hace la plancha en tu casa? Who does the ironing in your house? También se emplea con palabras tales como deber ( duty), deportes ( sports), examen ( an exam), favor ( a favour), sumas ( sums).
' hacer' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
abrir
- aclarar
- acopio
- acto
- adelantar
- adelantamiento
- advertir
- alarde
- aliviar
- amagar
- amarrar
- amor
- amortizar
- ampliar
- añicos
- aplanar
- aprecio
- aprender
- aspaviento
- atonía
- autostop
- ayuno
- balance
- broma
- burla
- burrada
- cábala
- caballo
- cabronada
- caca
- cafetera
- caja
- calceta
- calentar
- callar
- calle
- calor
- cama
- capacitar
- capaz
- caso
- castigar
- castillo
- chantaje
- colar
- colada
- colecta
- comecome
- comentar
- como
English:
abort
- abstain
- abuse
- accent
- accentuate
- accepted
- accustom
- act
- advance
- advertise
- afraid
- again
- agitate
- agree
- aim at
- aim to
- air
- all-out
- amenable
- antsy
- apart
- appearance
- arm-twisting
- as
- assert
- attempt
- audition
- authorize
- backup
- bake
- balance
- bandy about
- bed
- begin
- blast
- blind
- blueberry
- blur
- boil
- bonk
- boohoo
- book in
- bounce
- bring in
- bubble
- budget
- bulldoze
- bully
- bundle
- burp
Fam Fam [retrato] to paint; [fotografía] to take [viaje] to make; [comunión] to take; [sacrificio] to make; [promesa, oferta] to make; [milagro] to perform; [experimento] to do, to perform; [favor] to do; [pregunta] to ask; [declaración] to make; [crucigrama] to do; CSur Fam Fam [tenis, fútbol] to play; [cama] to make; [maleta] to pack; [uñas] to do; [barba] to trim Am [obra] to do, to perform; Euf Fam [servir] to serve as, to act as; Cine & Teatro [actuar] to play;