Spanish Phrase
Casi, solo unos minutos.
Meaning
The phrase conveys that something took or will take almost only a few minutes, emphasizing that the duration is very short. It can be used to reassure someone that a task won’t take long.
When to use
Use this expression when you want to highlight that an activity, waiting period, or event is nearly over and will last just a few more minutes. It’s common in casual conversation, especially when answering questions about time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Casi,solounosminutos.
Casi
Adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly', used to modify the entire statement.
solo
When placed before a noun, it means 'only' or 'just'.
unos
Indefinite article meaning 'a few' or 'some', used with countable nouns.
minutos
Plural noun for 'minutes', a unit of time.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto falta para que termine la película?
How much longer until the movie ends?
Casi, solo unos minutos.
Almost, just a few minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Casi solo unos minutos.
Without context, 'casi solo' can be misinterpreted as 'almost alone' rather than 'almost only'.
Solo unos minutos.
Leaving out 'casi' removes the nuance that the time is nearly finished.
Casi solo, unos minutos.
Placing the comma after 'casi' is optional; some speakers prefer no comma, but the pause adds emphasis.
↔Alternatives
Casi solo unos minutos.
Almost only a few minutes.
Apenas unos minutos.
Hardly any minutes.
Solo unos minutos más.
Just a few more minutes.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish, the adverb 'casi' can modify the whole clause, so placing a comma after it (as in 'Casi, solo unos minutos') adds a slight pause for emphasis. Avoid confusing 'casi solo' (which could be read as 'almost alone') by keeping the meaning clear with context or by using alternatives like 'apenas'.