Inklingo

How to Say "slight" in Spanish

English → Spanish

leve

/leh-beh//ˈleβe/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'leve' to describe something that is small in degree, intensity, or significance, often referring to feelings or sensations.
A single white feather floating gently in the air against a soft blue background.

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/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'ligero' when referring to something minor or not serious, especially when describing injuries or wounds.
A child smiling while showing a small, colorful adhesive bandage placed on their elbow, indicating a minor injury.

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.

pequeño

adjectiveA2general
Use 'pequeño' when 'slight' refers to a small amount or degree, similar to 'small' or 'little'. It can also mean 'younger'.

Examples

Mi hermano pequeño se llama Carlos.

My younger brother is named Carlos.

remoto

reh-MOH-toh/reˈmoto/

adjectiveB2general
Employ 'remoto' when 'slight' refers to a very small chance or possibility.
A single, small green island with a tree floats impossibly high above a layer of puffy white clouds, illustrating an unlikely or remote possibility.

Examples

Existe una posibilidad remota de que cambie de opinión.

There is a remote possibility that he will change his mind.

No veo ni la más remota conexión entre esos dos temas.

I don't see even the slightest connection between those two topics.

Possibility

This sense is almost always used with feminine nouns like 'posibilidad' (possibility) or 'duda' (doubt), requiring the feminine form 'remota'.

Confusing 'leve' and 'ligero'

Learners often confuse 'leve' and 'ligero' because both can mean 'minor'. Remember, 'leve' is best for abstract things like pain or temperature, while 'ligero' is typically used for physical conditions like injuries.

Related Translations

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