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"Menos" is an adjective which is often translated as "less", and "un poco más" is a phrase which is often translated as "a little more". Learn more about the difference between "menos" and "un poco 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.
un poco más(
oon
poh
-
koh
mahs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. a little more
Podrías estar un poco más entusiasmado con la visita de mis padres, ¿no?You could be a little more excited about my parents' visit, couldn't you?
b. a bit more
Ojalá la clase fuera un poco más interesante: ¡es aburridísima!I wish the class was a bit more interesting. It's really boring!
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Por favor, acérquese un poco más; no oigo lo que dice.Please, come a bit closer; I can't hear what you're saying.
¿Por qué no tratas de hacerte la vida un poco más fácil?Why don't you try to make your life a little easier?
