menor
“menor” means “smaller” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
smaller, lesser
Also: minor, subordinate
📝 In Action
Necesito una porción menor de sopa.
A1I need a smaller portion of soup.
El costo fue mucho menor de lo que esperábamos.
A2The cost was much lesser than we expected.
Esta es la calle menor que lleva al parque.
A2This is the smaller street that leads to the park.
younger
Also: junior
📝 In Action
Mi hermano menor tiene veinte años.
A2My younger brother is twenty years old.
Ellos son mucho menores que nosotros.
B1They are much younger than us.
minor
Also: juvenile
📝 In Action
La entrada está prohibida a los menores de edad.
B1Entry is prohibited to minors.
El juez llamó a la menor a declarar.
C1The judge called the minor (girl) to testify.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: menor
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'menor' to mean 'less important'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *minor*, which meant 'smaller' or 'less.' This is why 'menor' already contains the idea of comparison and doesn't need the word for 'more' in front of it.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'menor' and 'más pequeño'?
'Menor' is often used for abstract things like importance, age, or quantity (lesser). 'Más pequeño' (more small) is generally used when comparing the physical size of objects, like 'My car is smaller than yours.'
Is 'menor' only for people?
No. 'Menor' can be used for things, ideas, or people. It just means 'smaller/lesser.' When it refers specifically to a person under 18, it is used as a noun, like 'el menor.'