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How to Say ‘That's a little late.’ in Mexican Spanish

Es un poco tarde.

ess oon POH-koh TAHR-deh

[ess oon POH-koh TAHR-deh]

🇲🇽 In Mexico: Mexicans tend to soften refusals, so un poco makes this a gentle no rather than a blunt one.

Phrase Breakdown

Es un poco

ess oon POH-koh

It's a little

'Un poco' means 'a little' and softens what you say next. Link it: 'eh-soon PO-koh'.

Example

Es un poco caro.

It's a little expensive.

Words in this phrase

[ess]

it is

Used to describe a person, group, or culture.

Example

En «Es cercana.», «Es» introduce la descripción.

In “It is close-knit,” “Es” introduces the description.

[oon]

Part of un poco, a set phrase meaning a little.

Example

Con gusto te cuento Un poco de nuestra historia.

Gladly, I’ll tell you a little about our history.

poco

[POH-koh]

little / a bit

Used to indicate a small amount of information or time.

Example

Primero cuento un Poco sobre los valores de la empresa.

First I tell a little about the company's values.

tarde.

TAHR-deh

late.

Stress the first syllable: 'TAR-deh'. The 'd' is soft.

Example

Ya es tarde.

It's already late.

Words in this phrase

tarde

[TAHR-deh]

late

Adverb meaning after the expected time.

Example

Llegué tarde a la cena.

I arrived late to dinner.

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