Usage of a little and little [duplicate]
"A little" - small quantity, but enough for its purpose. "Little" - small quantity, but not enough for its purpose.
I have a little free time, so I can help you.
I have little free time, so I can't help you.
I drink a little alcohol every now and then (just enough to relax).
I drink little alcohol (hardly ever and barely enough to have any effect on me).
It's the same with "few/a few" for countable nouns:
I have a few friends, not many, but that's enough for me.
I have few friends. I wish I had more of them.