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How to Say ‘A little bit’ in Portuguese

Um bocadinho

oong boo-kah-DEE-nyoo

[oong boo-kah-DEE-nyoo]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: People in Portugal use um bocadinho constantly to soften a request. It makes asking for changes sound easygoing rather than demanding.

Phrase Breakdown

[oong]

An indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

Em «um» prazer, o artigo introduz a expressão educada.

In “a” pleasure, the article introduces the polite expression.

bocadinho

[boo-kah-DEE-nyoo]

little bit

Diminutive of 'bocado'; a small amount.

Example

Só um bocadinho de açúcar.

Just a little bit of sugar.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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