How to Say "slight" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “slight” is “leve” — use 'leve' when referring to something small in degree, intensity, or effect, such as a feeling, symptom, or change.
leve
leh-behˈleβe
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-rohliˈxe.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.
pequeño
Examples
Mi hermano pequeño se llama Carlos.
My younger brother is named Carlos.
remoto
reh-MOH-tohreˈmoto
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'.
ofensa
oh-FEN-sahoˈfensa
Examples
No fue mi intención causarte ninguna ofensa.
It wasn't my intention to cause you any offense.
Él tomó su silencio como una ofensa personal.
He took her silence as a personal insult.
Proferir una ofensa contra el rey es un asunto serio en algunos países.
Uttering an insult against the king is a serious matter in some countries.
Gender and Articles
This is a feminine noun. Even though the person receiving the offense might be a man, the word always uses 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la ofensa').
Verbs that pair with ofensa
To say 'to give/cause an offense,' Spanish speakers usually use 'hacer' (to make) or 'causar' (to cause).
Ofensa vs. Delito
Mistake: “Using 'ofensa' to describe a car accident or a theft.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'ofensa' usually refers to pride or feelings. For legal crimes or breaking laws, use 'delito' or 'infracción'.
Leve vs. Ligero for 'Slight'
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