ni más ni menos
Lemma Details
Translation: neither more nor less; exactly; precisely
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'ni' (neither/nor), 'más' (more), and 'menos' (less). It parallels the English expression 'neither more nor less' and follows a common pattern in many languages of using opposing concepts (more/less) to emphasize exactitude. The structure 'ni X ni Y' is a common Spanish construction for expressing 'neither X nor Y'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of balancing scales that are neither tipping to 'more' nor to 'less' - they're exactly balanced.
- Imagine someone measuring ingredients for a recipe and saying 'ni más ni menos' as they get the exact amount.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to emphasize precision or exactitude. It's used across all Spanish-speaking countries and appears in both casual conversation and formal writing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ni más ni menos' means 'exactly' or 'precisely', 'más o menos' means 'approximately' or 'more or less' - they have nearly opposite meanings.
Notes: These phrases are functional opposites despite their similar structure and components.
Mnemonic: 'Ni' (neither) creates precision, while 'o' (or) creates flexibility.