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"Menos" is an adjective which is often translated as "less", and "cada vez más" is a phrase which is often translated as "more and more". Learn more about the difference between "menos" and "cada vez más" below.
menos(
meh
-
nohs
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. less (with uncountable nouns)
Tengo menos tiempo libre hoy que ayer.I have less free time today than yesterday.
b. fewer (with countable nouns)
El profesor tiene menos alumnos en sus clases este semestre.The teacher has fewer students in his classes this semester.
a. the least (with uncountable nouns)
La persona que menos agua gaste ganará.The person who wastes the least amount of water will win.
b. the fewest (with countable nouns)
La ardilla con menos bellotas tiene que ponerse a trabajar.The squirrel with the fewest acorns needs to get busy.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. least
El menos grasoso de todos esos platos es la ensalada.The least greasy of all those dishes is the salad.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
6. (excluding)
a. except
Todos confirmaron su asistencia menos Alberto.Everyone except Alberto has confirmed their attendance.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. minus sign
Te faltó escribir el menos en tu ecuación.You forgot to write the minus sign in your equation.
cada vez más(
kah
-
dah
behs
mahs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. more and more
A medida que avanza el curso, las clases son cada vez más complicadas.As the course moves forward, the lessons become more and more difficult.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Con el paso del tiempo, el abuelo se volvió cada vez más amable y dócil.Grandpa became increasingly kind and mild with the passing of time.
El precio de la comida y la ropa es cada vez más alto.The price of food and clothing is going up all the time.
