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"Menor" is an adjective which is often translated as "younger", and "igual" is an adjective which is often translated as "equal". Learn more about the difference between "menor" and "igual" below.
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).
igual(
ee
-
gwahl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. equal
Todos somos iguales en esta casa y todos tenemos que cooperar con los quehaceres domésticos.We are all equal in this house, and we all have to help with the chores.
3. (similar)
5. (regular)
6. (sports)
b. level (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Los Spurs y Golden State van iguales.The Spurs and Golden State are level.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
8. (possibly)
9. (anyway)
a. just the same
Luís pidió disculpas pero la maestra lo castigó igual.Luis apologized, but the teacher punished him just the same.
b. still
Pagué la cuota a tiempo pero me cobraron recargos igual.I paid my dues on time, but was still charged late fees.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
10. (mathematics)
a. equal sign (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Esto debe ser un signo de mayor, no de igual.This should be a greater than symbol, not an equal sign.
b. equals sign (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No se olviden de poner el igual en el problema.Don't forget to write the equals sign in the problem.
los iguales
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
12. (colloquial) (lottery) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. lottery tickets
Compré unos iguales cuando estaba en Valencia.I bought some lottery tickets when I was in Valencia.
