pequeño a pequeño
Lemma Details
Translation: little by little; bit by bit; gradually; step by step
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'pequeño' (small/little) with the preposition 'a' (by/to) to create a repetitive structure that emphasizes gradual progression. 'Pequeño' derives from Latin 'piccinus' (small), which is related to Italian 'piccolo' and French 'petit'. The repetitive structure mirrors similar constructions in English like 'step by step' or 'bit by bit', emphasizing incremental progress.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Aprendí español pequeño a pequeño durante varios años.
I learned Spanish little by little over several years.
Pequeño a pequeño, fue ahorrando dinero para comprar su casa.
Little by little, he saved money to buy his house.
La recuperación después de la cirugía ocurre pequeño a pequeño.
Recovery after surgery happens gradually.
Mnemonics
- Think of building a small tower with small blocks, adding one small piece at a time.
- Visualize a small child taking small steps one at a time to learn walking.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to emphasize patience and persistence in achieving goals or completing tasks. It reflects a cultural value of steady progress rather than rushed results.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'little by little', 'poco a poco' is more common and widely used across all Spanish-speaking regions, whereas 'pequeño a pequeño' emphasizes the smallness of each increment.
Confused word:
Poco a poco, el niño fue construyendo su confianza.
Little by little, the child built up his confidence.
Notes: Both phrases are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'poco a poco' is generally more frequently used.
Mnemonic: 'Pequeño' focuses on size (small pieces), while 'poco' focuses on quantity (few pieces).
Explanation: 'Pequeño a pequeño' emphasizes smallness and gradual progress, while 'paso a paso' specifically refers to proceeding one step at a time, often in a methodical sequence.
Confused word:
Paso a paso, siguió las instrucciones para armar el mueble.
Step by step, he followed the instructions to assemble the furniture.
Notes: 'Paso a paso' often implies a more structured or methodical approach than 'pequeño a pequeño'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'pequeño a pequeño' as tiny increments of progress, while 'paso a paso' is like following footprints in sequence.