menos
least
The Spanish word 'menos' is the direct translation for the English word 'least'. It is often used in comparisons, just like in English, to express the lowest degree out of a group or set. It can also be used in negations to imply the absence of something, although this usage is less common. Always remember to use it in appropriate contexts for proper comprehension.
Example sentences using: menos
Tengo menos dinero que tú
I have less money than you
This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker's amount of money is lesser than the person they are speaking to.
Los lunes, la tienda abre menos horas
On Mondays, the store opens fewer hours
This phrase is used to express that on a specific day, in this case Mondays, the store has a shorter opening duration.
La operación no pudo haber ido menos bien
The operation couldn't have gone less well
This phrase expresses disappointment by stating the process did not go as well as expected.
Ahora tengo menos tiempo libre
Now I have less free time
This phrase points out that the speaker's amount of free time has decreased.
La casa era menos grande de lo que me imaginaba
The house was less big than I imagined
This phrase indicates that the size of a house did not meet the speaker's expectation.
Estudia menos de lo necesario
He studies less than necessary
This phrase suggests that the individual mentioned does not devote a sufficient amount of time to studying.
Menos mal que estás aquí
Thank goodness you are here
This phrase expresses relief that the person addressed is present under the circumstances.
Él es menos simpático de lo que pensaba
He is less nice than I thought
This phrase expresses a change in the speaker's opinion regarding another person's personality.
Bebo menos café que antes
I drink less coffee than before
This phrase is used to convey that the speaker has reduced their coffee intake.
Cada vez hay menos personas en la ciudad
There are fewer and fewer people in the city every time
This phrase expresses the observation that the population in the city is decreasing over time.