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"Menos" is an adjective which is often translated as "less", and "menor" is an adjective which is often translated as "younger". Learn more about the difference between "menos" and "menor" 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.
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).
