Neues Konzept

Small words that soften

Spanish speakers often cushion a strong view with a handful of small words. They don't change the opinion — they change how it lands.

Softener Meaning Example
un poco a bit La peli es un poco larga.
algo somewhat El hotel es algo caro.
¿no? / ¿verdad? right? isn't it? Es caro, ¿no?
yo qué sé I dunno Yo qué sé, a mí me gusta.
mira… look… Mira, yo lo veo de otra manera.
la verdad honestly La verdad, no me gustó el final.
  • Un poco before an adjective never changes: un poco larga, un poco caros. Without the un, poco means not very: poco interesante — not very interesting.
  • ¿No? at the end of a statement invites the other person in.
  • Yo qué sé takes the weight off whatever follows — fine among friends, too vague (and a touch dismissive) for a meeting.