el mínimo
minimum
Es la cantidad o nivel más bajo posible de algo.
Definition & meaning
Mínimo means minimum, minimal, or the smallest possible amount or degree.
It can be used in several ways:
- Adjective: describing something that is as small or low as possible.
- una cantidad mínima — a minimal amount
- el esfuerzo mínimo — the minimum effort
- Noun: the smallest amount or limit.
- El mínimo es de diez euros. — The minimum is ten euros.
- Adverbial expression: indicating a lower limit.
- Necesitas como mínimo dos horas. — You need at least two hours.
It can also mean very small or insignificant in expressions such as la mínima diferencia — the slightest difference.
Grammar & Word origin
Mínimo is an adjective and noun.
- Masculine singular: mínimo
- Feminine singular: mínima
- Masculine plural: mínimos
- Feminine plural: mínimas
As an adjective, it agrees with the noun in gender and number:
- un precio mínimo — a minimum price
- una cantidad mínima — a minimum amount
It comes from the Latin minimus, meaning “smallest” or “least.” It is related to menor , meaning “smaller” or “younger.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- menor — smaller or lesser; broader than mínimo, since it does not necessarily mean the smallest possible.
- ínfimo — extremely low or small; often has a negative or dismissive tone.
- pequeño — small in general, without necessarily expressing a minimum.
- insignificante — insignificant or unimportant; focuses more on importance than on quantity or size.
Antonyms
- máximo — maximum; the greatest possible amount or degree.
- mayor — greater or larger; the general opposite of menor, but not always a direct opposite of mínimo.
- máximo posible — the highest possible level, directly contrasting with mínimo posible.
Common phrases & collocations
- como mínimo — at least
- por lo mínimo — at the very least
- el mínimo necesario — the minimum necessary
- salario mínimo — minimum wage
- edad mínima — minimum age
- cantidad mínima — minimum amount
- con el mínimo esfuerzo — with minimal effort
- a la mínima — at the slightest provocation; especially common in a la mínima oportunidad , “at the first opportunity”
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Examples
El tiempo de espera mínimo es de una hora.adjective
The minimum wait time is one hour.
El mínimo para aprobar el examen es 60 puntos.noun
The minimum to pass the exam is 60 points.
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