Less vs. Lesser: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
less para cantidades de cosas que no se cuentan y lesser para hablar de algo con menor importancia o calidad.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'less' for smaller amounts of uncountable things and 'lesser' for things that are lower in quality, importance, or status.
- Use 'less' for uncountable nouns like water or time: 'I have less time today.'
- Use 'lesser' as an adjective meaning 'not as great': 'He is a lesser known actor.'
- Use 'less' as an adverb to modify adjectives: 'This car is less expensive.'
Overview
less y lesser. ¿Por qué nos cuesta tanto?menos es extremadamente versátil y la usamos para casi todo. Decimos menos agua, menos importante, menos gente o el menos malo.menos, el inglés nos obliga a elegir entre diferentes herramientas según lo que queramos expresar: cantidad o calidad.less se utiliza principalmente para medir una cantidad o un grado menor de algo, especialmente con sustantivos incontables (responde a la pregunta ¿cuánto?). Por otro lado, lesser es un adjetivo que describe algo como inferior en rango, importancia o calidad (responde a la pregunta ¿cuál de ellos es de menor categoría?). Aprender a diferenciar estas dos palabras no solo mejorará tu gramática, sino que te dará esa precisión necesaria para sonar más profesional en correos electrónicos, presentaciones o incluso en conversaciones casuales sobre tu serie favorita de Netflix.
poco (little), sus funciones en la oración han evolucionado de formas muy distintas.less: Cuantificar y reducir el gradoLess es la forma comparativa de little. Es, básicamente, lo opuesto a more. Lo que lo hace un poco complejo es que puede desempeñar tres funciones diferentes:- 1Como determinante (con sustantivos incontables): Esta es su función más común. Lo usamos para indicar una cantidad menor de algo que no se puede contar por unidades individuales. Piensa en conceptos abstractos o materiales:
time(tiempo),money(dinero),water(agua),advice(consejo).
I have less money than I thought.(Tengo menos dinero de lo que pensaba).
- 1Como adverbio: Aquí es donde
lessmodifica a un adjetivo o a otro adverbio para reducir su intensidad. Es como decirmenos [adjetivo].
This task is less complicated.(Esta tarea es menos complicada).
- 1Como pronombre: Puede sustituir a un sustantivo cuando el contexto ya está claro.
You should eat less.(Deberías comer menos).
lesser: Un adjetivo de calidad y rangoLesser es únicamente un adjetivo. Su función no es decirnos cuánto hay de algo, sino decirnos qué tan importante o buenoes ese algo en comparación con otro. Se refiere a la categoría, el estatus o el valor.
lesser como menor, pero no en el sentido de tamaño físico (que sería smaller), sino en el sentido de relevancia.A lesser known artist.(Un artista menos conocido/de menor fama).The lesser of two evils.(El menor de dos males).
menos cantidad de artista, sino que su fama o importancia es de un rango inferior.less es mucho más flexible, mientras que lesser suele estar atrapado en estructuras más rígidas.Less (Cantidad y Grado)less + [sustantivo incontable] | less sugar | menos azúcar |less + [adjetivo] | less expensive | menos caro |less + [adverbio] | less quickly | menos rápido |less ... than | less time than before | menos tiempo que antes |less than + [número] | less than 5 liters | menos de 5 litros |Lesser (Calidad y Rango)a/the lesser + [sustantivo] | a lesser degree | un grado menor |the lesser of two... | the lesser of two evils | el menor de dos males |lesser- + [participio] | lesser-known works | obras menos conocidas |lesser casi nunca va seguido de than. No decimos *this is lesser than that. Si quieres hacer esa comparación directa de grado, usarás less ... than o not as ... as.less cuando:- Hablas de dinero, tiempo o distancia: Aunque a veces parezcan contables, en inglés se tratan como una masa o medida total.
It costs less than fifty dollars.(Cuesta menos de cincuenta dólares).The trip took less time than expected.(El viaje tomó menos tiempo del esperado).- Quieres suavizar un adjetivo: Si una película no te gustó tanto como la primera, dirás que es
less exciting. - Te refieres a conceptos abstractos: Como la paciencia, el entusiasmo o la información.
I have less patience today.
lesser cuando:- Estás comparando la importancia de dos problemas: Imagina que tu coche tiene un fallo en el motor y un rasguño en la puerta. El rasguño es un
lesser problem(un problema menor/de menor importancia). - Hablas de rangos o jerarquías: En un contexto académico o profesional, alguien puede tener un
lesser rank(un rango inferior). - Utilizas expresiones literarias o formales:
Lessersuena más elegante y culto. Si estás escribiendo un ensayo para la universidad o un informe formal,lesserpuede ayudarte a sonar más sofisticado al describir algo de menor categoría. - La famosa frase de elección: Cuando tienes dos opciones malas y tienes que elegir la
menos mala, siempre seráthe lesser of two evils. Es una expresión fija que escucharás mucho en debates políticos o en series dramáticas.
less vs fewer (El clásico de los clásicos)menos personas y menos agua. Usamos menos para todo. Pero en inglés, less solo es para lo que no se puede contar (incontables). Para lo que sí se puede contar (contables), debemos usar fewer.- Incorrecto:
There are less students in class today. - Correcto:
There are fewer students in class today. - ¿Por qué pasa? Porque en español no tenemos una palabra distinta para
menos(cantidad continua) ymenos(número discreto).
10 items or less), pero en un examen B1 o en un entorno profesional, debes usar fewer para cosas contables.lesser para hablar de cantidad de dinerolesser suena más avanzado, algunos estudiantes piensan que es mejor decir lesser money.- Incorrecto:
I earned lesser money this month. - Correcto:
I earned less money this month. - Explicación: El dinero se mide en cantidad, no en rango de calidad.
Lesserse siente muy extraño aquí porque el dinero no esde menor categoría
, simplemente esmenos cantidad.
el menor siempre como lesserlesser.- Incorrecto:
He is my lesser brother. - Correcto:
He is my younger brother. - Explicación:
Lesserimplica que es inferior en calidad o importancia. ¡No querrás decirle eso a tu hermano! Para edad usamosyounger, y para tamaño físico usamossmaller.
less y lesser con otros términos que suelen orbitar cerca y causar confusión.Less | Cantidad (Incontables) | less salt | menos sal |Fewer | Número (Contables) | fewer books | menos libros |Lesser | Calidad / Rango | lesser importance | menor importancia |Smaller | Tamaño físico | smaller box | caja más pequeña |Lower | Nivel / Posición / Valor | lower prices | precios más bajos |Less vs Lower:lower cuando hablamos de números en una escala (precios, temperaturas, niveles).The temperature is lower today.(La temperatura es más baja hoy).There is less sun today.(Hay menos sol hoy).
Lesser vs Minor:menor. Sin embargo, minor se usa a menudo para algo que no es grave o serio (como una minor injury o lesión leve), mientras que lesser se enfoca más en la comparación de importancia o valor entre dos cosas.less con personas?fewer people. Si dices less people, un nativo te entenderá perfectamente, pero gramaticalmente estarás tratando a las personas como si fueran un líquido (incontable).lesser una palabra anticuada?not as important o secondary en lugar de lesser. Sin embargo, en literatura, leyes o textos académicos, es muy común.el menor de los males?
the lesser of two evils. Es una de las frases donde lesser es absolutamente obligatorio. No puedes decir *the less of two evils.less?un dinero, dos dineros? No. Entonces es incontable y usa less. ¿Puedes decir un amigo, dos amigos? Sí. Entonces usa fewer.Comparatives of 'Little'
| Base Form | Comparative (Quantity) | Comparative (Quality/Rank) | Superlative |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Little
|
Less
|
Lesser
|
Least
|
Meanings
Both words are comparatives of 'little,' but 'less' usually refers to quantity or degree, while 'lesser' refers to quality, value, or importance.
Quantity (Determiner)
A smaller amount of something uncountable.
“We need less noise in the library.”
“There is less sugar in this soda.”
Degree (Adverb)
To a smaller extent or degree.
“This task is less difficult than the last one.”
“I am less worried now.”
Quality/Importance (Adjective)
Not as great in size, quality, or significance.
“The lesser of two evils.”
“A lesser degree of certainty.”
Reference Table
| Característica | Less | Lesser |
|---|---|---|
|
Tipo de palabra
|
Determinante, Adverbio
|
Adjetivo
|
|
Significado
|
Una cantidad menor
|
Menor importancia o calidad
|
|
Se usa con
|
Sustantivos incontables (tiempo, estrés)
|
Sustantivos abstractos (mal menor, artista)
|
|
Opuesto
|
More
|
Greater
|
|
Ejemplo
|
I need to spend less money.
|
This is a lesser problem now.
|
|
Frase común
|
less than zero
|
the lesser of two evils
|
Espectro de formalidad
The individual possesses a lesser amount of capital. (financial status)
He has less money. (financial status)
He's got less cash. (financial status)
He's short on dough. (financial status)
Mapa: 'Less' vs. 'Lesser'
Less
- Cantidad How much
- Incontable time, water
- Opuesto: More
Lesser
- Calidad / Importancia How good / significant
- Adjetivo a lesser evil
- Opuesto: Greater
'Less' vs. 'Lesser' de un vistazo
¿Cuál debería usar?
¿Hablas de una cantidad que no puedes contar?
¿Hablas de menor calidad, importancia o rango?
Categorías de contexto
Usa 'Less' para...
- • Tiempo
- • Dinero
- • Tráfico
- • Entusiasmo
- • Ruido
Usa 'Lesser' para...
- • Males
- • Artistas conocidos
- • Prioridades
- • Calidad
- • Roles
Ejemplos por nivel
I drink less coffee now.
I drink less coffee now.
Please give me less rice.
Please give me less rice.
It is less hot today.
It is less hot today.
I have less money than you.
I have less money than you.
This movie is less funny than the first one.
This movie is less funny than the first one.
We have less homework this week.
We have less homework this week.
He is less tall than his father.
He is less tall than his father.
There is less water in the bottle.
There is less water in the bottle.
I chose the lesser of two evils.
I chose the lesser of two evils.
The new model is less efficient than expected.
The new model is less efficient than expected.
He is a lesser known author in this country.
He is a lesser known author in this country.
You should spend less time on your phone.
You should spend less time on your phone.
The impact was of a lesser magnitude than predicted.
The impact was of a lesser magnitude than predicted.
She was no less surprised than I was.
She was no less surprised than I was.
A lesser man would have given up by now.
A lesser man would have given up by now.
The project requires less effort but more focus.
The project requires less effort but more focus.
The defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
The defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
The poem explores the lesser-traveled paths of the mind.
The poem explores the lesser-traveled paths of the mind.
He is a lesser light in the world of physics.
He is a lesser light in the world of physics.
The results were less than satisfactory.
The results were less than satisfactory.
To suggest otherwise would be to do him a lesser service.
To suggest otherwise would be to do him a lesser service.
The lesser-spotted eagle is a rare sight in these parts.
The lesser-spotted eagle is a rare sight in these parts.
It was a conflict of lesser importance in the grand scheme of the war.
It was a conflict of lesser importance in the grand scheme of the war.
The nuances are less easily discerned by the untrained eye.
The nuances are less easily discerned by the untrained eye.
Fácil de confundir
Learners often use 'less' for everything because it's easier.
Both can describe quality or position.
Both describe size, but 'lesser' is more about importance.
Errores comunes
I have lesser water.
I have less water.
He is lesser happy.
He is less happy.
Less people came.
Fewer people came.
I want more lesser.
I want less.
This is a less crime.
This is a lesser crime.
I have lesser time.
I have less time.
It is lesser expensive.
It is less expensive.
The lesser of two amounts.
The smaller of two amounts.
He is a less known actor.
He is a lesser-known actor.
I feel lesser tired.
I feel less tired.
The lesser quantity of the two.
The smaller quantity of the two.
A less included offense.
A lesser included offense.
Patrones de oraciones
I have less ___ than I used to.
It was the lesser of two ___.
This is a lesser-known ___.
The ___ is less ___ than the ___.
Real World Usage
I have less battery than I thought, talk later!
I am looking for a role with no less than three weeks of vacation.
Can I get a latte with less foam, please?
The sequel is a lesser movie, but the soundtrack is fire.
The party of the second part shall be held to a lesser standard of liability.
We should take the lesser-known path to avoid the crowds.
La prueba de la 's'
I need less advice and more action.
No cuentes con 'Lesser'
I have less work this week.
¿'Fewer' o 'Less'?
There are less people at the party.
Suena elegante con 'Lesser'
He played a lesser role in the film.
Smart Tips
Always use 'the lesser of two evils.' It sounds native and sophisticated.
Never use 'lesser.' Use 'less.'
Use 'lesser-known' instead of 'less famous' for a more professional tone.
Try replacing it with 'inferior.' If it works, 'lesser' is probably correct.
Pronunciación
Less
Rhymes with 'mess' or 'dress'. Short 'e' sound.
Lesser
Two syllables. The first is 'less', the second is a neutral 'er' (schwa).
Emphasis on 'Less'
I want LESS sugar, not more!
Correcting a quantity.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Less is for 'Mess' (uncountable things like sand or water). Lesser is for 'Lesser-known' (quality or fame).
Asociación visual
Imagine a measuring cup for 'Less' (quantity) and a gold, silver, and bronze podium for 'Lesser' (rank/importance).
Rhyme
Less for the amount you pour, Lesser for the rank and score.
Story
A king had two sons. The first son had less gold (quantity), but the second son was a lesser prince (rank) because he didn't help the people.
Word Web
Desafío
Write three sentences: one about having less of a drink, one about a movie being less exciting, and one about a lesser-known hobby you have.
Notas culturales
In university essays, using 'lesser' to describe secondary theories or minor figures shows a high level of academic literacy.
The term 'lesser offense' is a standard legal term used when a jury can convict someone of a smaller crime if the main one isn't proven.
British English speakers may use 'lesser' more frequently in formal speech than American speakers, who often stick to 'less' or 'lower'.
Both words come from the Old English 'læs' (less) and 'læssa' (lesser).
Inicios de conversación
Do you think people should spend less time on social media?
If you had to choose the lesser of two evils—no internet or no phone—which would it be?
Who is a lesser-known artist that you think everyone should listen to?
In your job, which tasks are of lesser importance but take up the most time?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesI have ___ money in my bank account than last month.
He is a ___ known actor, but he is very talented.
Find and fix the mistake:
This task is lesser difficult than the one we did yesterday.
1. ___ water, 2. ___ of two evils, 3. ___ expensive
This phone is not as expensive as that one.
The court decided on a ___ charge.
You can use 'lesser' to modify an adjective like 'happy' or 'fast'.
A: Do you want more sugar? B: No thanks, I'm trying to eat ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesHe's a famous actor now, but he started his career in ___ known productions.
Choose the correct sentence:
We had to choose the less of two evils when we made our decision.
This brand is considered a ___ competitor in the market.
Traduce al inglés: 'El plan B es una opción de menor categoría.'
Ordena estas palabras para formar una frase:
Empareja la palabra con su propósito principal:
Choose the correct sentence:
He's a great guitarist, but a ___ singer.
Could you please give me a lesser amount of rice?
Traduce al inglés: 'De los dos, él es el poeta de menor talento.'
The boss is ___ concerned with daily reports than with overall profit.
Ordena estas palabras para formar una pregunta:
Score: /13
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Only if you mean 'less important.' If you mean physical size, use `smaller`. For example, a `smaller house` is about size, but a `lesser house` (rare) would mean a house of lower social status.
Yes, `lesser` is almost always found in formal, literary, or legal contexts. In daily speech, we usually use `less` or `not as good`.
This is a common change in modern English. While `fewer` is technically correct for countable nouns, `less` is very common in casual speech (e.g., 'There are less people here').
It's an idiom meaning that you have two bad options, and you are choosing the one that is slightly better (or 'less bad').
No. `Lesser` is only an adjective. You cannot say 'He ran lesser fast.' You must say 'He ran less fast.'
They are very similar! In many cases, you can replace `lesser` with `minor`, such as 'a minor/lesser role in a play.'
Use `least` when comparing three or more things. 'This is the least expensive of the three.' `Less` and `lesser` are only for comparing two things.
It is usually hyphenated when it comes before a noun, like 'a lesser-known fact.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
menos
English splits 'menos' into three distinct categories: countable, uncountable, and qualitative.
moins / moindre
The usage of 'moindre' is very close to 'lesser', making this easier for French speakers.
weniger / geringer
The distinction is very similar to English, though 'weniger' is often used for countable items too.
少ない (sukunai) / より少ない (yori sukunai)
Japanese relies on context and specific adjectives like 'kashu' (lower rank) for 'lesser'.
أقل (aqall)
One word covers all three English concepts.
更少 (gèng shǎo) / 次要 (cì yào)
Chinese uses a completely different word for the qualitative 'lesser'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Videos relacionados
06:46 Jerry Seinfeld I'm Telling You For The Last Time Part 5
02:24 Daniel Kaluuya's Scottish Accent Ruined An Audition | The Graham Norton Show
02:31 #WeArePlay: Hugo, Maliyo Games - Nigeria
FEWER vs LESS ¿Cuándo usarlos? - Alejo Lopera
Alejo Lopera Inglés
Diferencia entre LESS y LESSER en inglés
Mundo de Inglés
Related Grammar Rules
Dialecto vs. Idioma: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
### Overview Entender la diferencia entre `language` (lengua) y `dialect` (dialecto) es adentrarse en uno de los debate...
Nowadays vs. Now-a-days: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
### Overview ¡Hola! Qué gusto saludarte. Como hispanohablante que ha navegado el mundo del inglés, sé perfectamente que...
Let them vs. Let they: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
### Overview Seguramente te ha pasado: estás escribiendo un correo o hablando en una reunión y te detienes un segundo a...
Quite vs. Quiet: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
### Overview El aprendizaje del inglés está lleno de pequeños obstáculos que, aunque parecen insignificantes, pueden ca...
Said vs. Told: ¿Cuál es la diferencia?
### Overview Seguramente te ha pasado: estás en medio de una conversación en inglés, quieres reportar lo que alguien má...
