menos
Wordform Details
Translation: lessfewer
Part of Speech: adverb
Inflection Type:
invariableIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: less; fewer; minus
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'minus' meaning 'less'. This Latin term is also the source of English words like 'minus', 'diminish', and 'minute' (as in small). The connection between 'menos' and 'minus' is straightforward, with the Spanish term maintaining the core meaning of reduction or subtraction from the original Latin.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo menos dinero que tú.
I have less money than you.
Hay menos personas hoy.
There are fewer people today.
Cinco menos dos son tres.
Five minus two is three.
Menos mal que llegaste a tiempo.
Thank goodness you arrived on time.
A menos que llueva, iremos al parque.
Unless it rains, we'll go to the park.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'minus' in math - 'menos' is what you say when subtracting in Spanish.
- Remember 'menos' as 'me-no-s' - as in 'me, no, I want less of something'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Spanish conversation, particularly in comparative expressions and mathematical contexts. The phrase 'menos mal' is especially common as an expression of relief.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Menos' is an adverb meaning 'less' or 'fewer', while 'menor' is an adjective meaning 'smaller', 'younger', or 'minor'. 'Menos' is used for quantities, while 'menor' is used for size, age, or importance.
Notes: 'Menos' is invariable, while 'menor' changes form for gender (menor/menor) and number (menor/menores).
Mnemonic: 'Menos' ends with 's' like 'less', while 'menor' relates to 'minor'.
Explanation: 'Menos' means 'less' or 'fewer', while 'pero' means 'but'. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different functions - 'menos' is for comparison, 'pero' is for contrast.
Notes: 'Menos' can be part of phrases like 'a menos que' (unless), while 'pero' stands alone as a conjunction.
Mnemonic: 'Pero' has an 'r' like 'rather' - both indicate contrast.