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"Joven" is an adjective which is often translated as "young", and "menor" is an adjective which is often translated as "younger". Learn more about the difference between "joven" and "menor" below.
joven, el joven, la joven(
hoh
-
behn
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
3. (person)
a. young person
Debe de ser difícil ser un joven hoy en día.It must be hard to be a young person these days.
b. kid (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Este candidato no tiene experiencia, pero sí mucho entusiasmo, y parece un joven muy agradable.This applicant has no experience, but he's very enthusiastic, and he seems like a nice enough kid.
d. young woman (feminine)
La joven que está en la parada de autobús es mi prima.The young woman at the bus stop is my cousin.
e. youth
Cada joven que contratamos representa una inversión de futuro.Every youth we hire represents an investment in our future.
los jóvenes, las jóvenes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. young people
En estas tribus, los jóvenes toman ejemplo de sus mayores.In these tribes, young people look up to their elders.
b. kids (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Aunque tocaba una banda de los ochenta, en el público había muchos jóvenes.Although a band from the eighties was playing, there were many kids in the audience.
d. youths
Dos adultos y dos jóvenes han sido detenidos en relación con la agresión.Two adults and two youths have been arrested in connection with the assault.
e. youngsters
Unos jóvenes platicaban y reían en un banco del parque.Some youngsters were chatting and laughing on a bench in the park.
menor, el menor, la menor(
meh
-
nohr
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
e. lesser (in quantity, importance)
La contaminación afecta a las urbes y, en menor medida, también a las zonas rurales.Pollution affects cities and, to a lesser extent, rural areas too.
c. lowest (in number, value)
De todas estas, ¿cuál es la cifra menor?Of all these, which is the lowest figure?
d. least (in quantity, importance)
Iba con retraso, pero ese era el menor de mis problemas.I was running late, but that was the least of my problems.
3. (minimal)
a. slightest
No te preocupes; no tiene la menor importancia.Don't worry; it doesn't have the slightest importance.
4. (secondary)
a. minor
La exposición incluye obras menores de Picasso.The exhibition contains minor works by Picasso.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
