How to Say "minor" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “minor” is “menor” — use 'menor' when referring to something that is not the main or larger option, like a smaller portion or a less significant factor..
menor
/meh-NOR//meˈnoɾ/
Examples
Necesito una porción menor de sopa.
I need a smaller portion of soup.
El costo fue mucho menor de lo que esperábamos.
The cost was much lesser than we expected.
Esta es la calle menor que lleva al parque.
This is the smaller street that leads to the park.
La entrada está prohibida a los menores de edad.
Entry is prohibited to minors.
It includes 'more' already
Unlike English, you never say 'más menor' (more smaller). 'Menor' already means 'smaller than' or 'lesser than,' so you just use it directly.
Gender Check
This word stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (el riesgo menor, la casa menor). It only changes to 'menores' when plural.
Gender Agreement
When used as a noun, it changes gender like any other noun: 'el menor' (boy minor) and 'la menor' (girl minor).
Adding 'más'
Mistake: “La casa es más menor que el apartamento.”
Correction: La casa es menor que el apartamento. (The house is smaller than the apartment.)
menor
meh-NOH-rehs/meˈnoɾes/
Examples
La entrada está prohibida a los menores de edad.
Entry is prohibited to minors.
Para la mudanza necesitamos cajas menores.
For the move, we need smaller boxes.
Los daños menores no afectaron la estructura.
The minor damage didn't affect the structure.
Always Plural
Since this is the word 'menores', it always describes more than one thing. It's the plural of the adjective 'menor'.
leve
/leh-beh//ˈleβe/
Examples
Siento un leve dolor de cabeza.
I have a slight headache.
Hubo un leve retraso en el tren.
There was a minor delay with the train.
Se sintió una brisa leve junto al mar.
A light breeze was felt by the sea.
One Form Fits All
The word 'leve' ends in 'e,' so it doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You can say 'un problema leve' (masculine) or 'una herida leve' (feminine).
Leve vs. Ligero
Mistake: “Using 'leve' to describe the weight of a physical object like a suitcase.”
Correction: Use 'ligero' for weight. Use 'leve' for intensity, sounds, or importance. A box is 'ligera,' but a headache is 'leve.'
ligero
/li-HEH-roh//liˈxe.ɾo/
Examples
El doctor dijo que la herida era muy ligera y sanaría pronto.
The doctor said the wound was very slight and would heal soon.
Tuve un sueño ligero, me desperté varias veces.
I had a light sleep (not deep sleep); I woke up several times.
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as 'lacking weight' in terms of importance or depth. A 'golpe ligero' is a bump that doesn't carry much consequence.
secundaria
/seh-koon-DAH-reeah//se.kunˈda.rja/
Examples
La causa principal de la caída fue la lluvia, y la mala visibilidad fue una razón secundaria.
The main cause of the fall was the rain, and poor visibility was a secondary reason.
Esta es una preocupación secundaria; el problema más grande es el presupuesto.
This is a minor concern; the bigger problem is the budget.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'secundaria' ends in '-a', it is used to describe feminine nouns (like 'razón' or 'cuestión'). If you were describing a masculine noun (like 'objetivo'), you would use 'secundario'.
pequeño
Examples
Mi hermano pequeño se llama Carlos.
My younger brother is named Carlos.
Menor vs. Leve/Ligero
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