a menos que
Lemma Details
Translation: unless; except if; if not
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This Spanish conjunction is formed by combining the preposition 'a' (to), the adverb 'menos' (less), and the conjunction 'que' (that). The literal construction 'to less that' evolved to express the conditional exception meaning 'unless' in English. This construction follows a pattern in Spanish where prepositional phrases combine with 'que' to form conjunctive expressions.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a menos que' as 'at less than' which suggests the idea of an exception or limitation - 'unless'.
- Remember that 'menos' means 'less' - so this phrase indicates a situation with 'less' likelihood of happening.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in both formal and informal Spanish across all Spanish-speaking regions. It's essential for expressing conditional exceptions in everyday speech and writing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'A menos que' is a conjunction meaning 'unless', while 'a menos de' is a prepositional phrase meaning 'less than' or 'within less than' (usually followed by a measurement).
Confused word:
Vivo a menos de cinco kilómetros del centro.
I live less than five kilometers from downtown.
Notes: The presence of 'que' signals that a clause will follow, whereas 'de' typically introduces a noun or measurement.
Mnemonic: 'A menos que' needs a verb clause after it (unless something happens), while 'a menos de' is followed by a quantity (less than some amount).
Explanation: 'A menos que' introduces a condition that would prevent something, while 'al menos' means 'at least' and indicates a minimum quantity or a consolation.
Notes: 'Al menos' is used to express a minimum or to look on the bright side of a situation, while 'a menos que' introduces a condition that would prevent the main clause from being true.
Mnemonic: Think of 'al menos' as 'at the minimum' (at least), while 'a menos que' introduces an exception (unless).