What does "pianissimo" (pp) mean in musical notation?

In musical notation, "pianissimo" (indicated as pp) signifies that the music should be played very softly. This term is derived from Italian, where "piano" means "soft," and the addition of an extra "p" enhances the meaning to indicate an even softer dynamic level.

When musicians see "pianissimo" in a score, they understand that they need to reduce their volume significantly, creating an intimate and delicate sound that contrasts with louder dynamics. This instruction is crucial for conveying emotions and nuances in the music, as dynamics play a key role in expressiveness.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts; "very fast" would likely relate to tempo markings, "soft" refers to a less extreme dynamic, and "a little" does not align with specific musical terminology regarding dynamics. Thus, "very soft" is the most accurate description of "pianissimo," emphasizing its role in achieving subtlety in performance.