Inklingo

How to Say "smaller" in Spanish

English → Spanish

menor

/meh-NOR//meˈnoɾ/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'menor' when referring to a singular noun that is smaller in size or quantity, or when comparing two things where one is lesser.
A visual comparison showing a very large red apple sitting next to a tiny red apple.

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.

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.

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.)

menores

meh-NOH-rehs/meˈnoɾes/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'menores' when referring to plural nouns that are smaller in size or quantity. It must agree in number with the noun it modifies.
A large red apple resting next to a noticeably smaller red apple.

Examples

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'.

Singular vs. Plural Agreement

The most common mistake is forgetting that 'menores' is the plural form. Always ensure that your chosen adjective agrees in number with the noun it describes. 'Menor' is for singular nouns, and 'menores' is for plural nouns.

Related Translations

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