French word

peu

Pronunciation

IPA/pø/

Meaning

  • adverblittle

Example

Il reste peu de pain.

There is little bread left.

Illustration for peu (little)

More examples

Il parle un peu français.

He speaks a little French.

Core concept

A quantity reduced below what seems sufficient or usual.

Common phrases

  • parler un peu

    speak a little

  • peu de chance

    little chance

  • un peu trop

    a little too much

Similar words

un peu: A little; in a small amount or degree.
presque: Very nearly at a stated point or condition.
à peine: Barely; with almost no amount or effect.

Definition in French

Marque une quantité limitée ou un degré faible.

Word origin

French peu developed from Old French peu, which continues Latin paucum, from paucus meaning 'small in amount' or 'few'.

Usage tips

  • Peu often has a negative or insufficient sense, whereas un peu usually presents a small amount more neutrally or positively.

Other meanings

  • slightlyadverb
  • not veryadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word