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A2 noun #3,000 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

minoría

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and fundamental vocabulary needed for everyday survival and simple communication in Spanish. The word 'minoría' (minority) is generally introduced as a simple noun to describe a small group of people or a small part of something. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word, understanding its basic meaning, and knowing its direct opposite, 'mayoría' (majority). Learners are taught that 'minoría' is a feminine noun, meaning it must be used with feminine articles like 'la' (the) or 'una' (a). Simple sentences are the goal here. For example, a learner might say 'Una minoría de la clase es de España' (A minority of the class is from Spain). The concept of 'minoría' is often taught alongside basic numbers, quantities, and group descriptions. Teachers might use visual aids, like a pie chart, to show a large slice (mayoría) and a small slice (minoría). While the deeper sociological or political nuances are not explored at this level, establishing the core meaning of 'the smaller part' is essential. Learners practice pronouncing the word correctly, paying attention to the accent mark on the 'i' (mi-no-RÍ-a), which dictates the stress of the word. They also practice basic adjective agreement, learning to say 'una minoría pequeña' (a small minority). Overall, the A1 objective is simply to add 'minoría' to the student's growing mental dictionary of common, useful nouns that help describe the world around them in broad, simple terms.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'minoría' in more practical and varied everyday contexts. They move beyond simple recognition and start constructing more complex sentences. At this stage, learners are introduced to common prepositional phrases that accompany the word, most notably 'la minoría de' (the minority of). This allows them to specify what group they are talking about, such as 'la minoría de mis amigos' (the minority of my friends) or 'la minoría de los libros' (the minority of the books). They also learn the phrase 'en minoría' to describe the state of being outnumbered, as in 'Estamos en minoría' (We are in the minority). This is particularly useful for describing situations in games, class votes, or casual debates. The A2 level also introduces the concept of subject-verb agreement with collective nouns in a simplified way. Learners are taught that 'la minoría' takes a singular verb, so they practice saying 'La minoría quiere ir al cine' (The minority wants to go to the cinema). The vocabulary surrounding 'minoría' expands to include descriptive adjectives like 'gran' (large) or 'pequeña' (small). Furthermore, learners might briefly encounter the phrase 'minoría de edad' (underage) in the context of rules or permissions, such as 'No puedes entrar por tu minoría de edad' (You cannot enter because of your underage status). The focus remains on practical, communicative usage, enabling learners to express proportions and group dynamics in their daily interactions and simple narratives.
At the B1 level, the usage of 'minoría' expands significantly into broader societal, cultural, and political contexts. Learners are now capable of discussing current events, opinions, and social issues, and 'minoría' becomes a crucial vocabulary word for these topics. They learn to use terms like 'minoría étnica' (ethnic minority), 'minoría religiosa' (religious minority), and 'minoría política' (political minority). The discussions become more abstract, moving away from simple numbers to concepts of representation and rights. For example, a B1 learner might write an essay or participate in a debate using sentences like 'Es importante proteger los derechos de la minoría en una democracia' (It is important to protect the rights of the minority in a democracy). At this level, the grammatical nuance of 'concordancia ad sensum' (agreement by sense) is formally introduced. Learners discover that while 'la minoría' is singular, when it is followed by a plural noun phrase (e.g., 'la minoría de los ciudadanos'), native speakers frequently use a plural verb ('votan' instead of 'vota'). They practice recognizing and using both forms, understanding the difference between formal written Spanish and colloquial spoken Spanish. The vocabulary network around 'minoría' grows to include verbs like 'proteger' (to protect), 'representar' (to represent), and 'discriminar' (to discriminate). Learners also become comfortable using 'minoría' in statistical contexts, summarizing data or survey results, such as 'Solo una minoría está de acuerdo con la nueva ley' (Only a minority agrees with the new law).
At the B2 level, learners are expected to handle the word 'minoría' with a high degree of fluency, accuracy, and nuance. They engage with complex texts, such as newspaper editorials, sociological reports, and political analyses, where 'minoría' is used in sophisticated ways. The focus shifts to understanding the subtle connotations of the word in different contexts. For instance, they explore the concept of a 'minoría silenciosa' (silent minority) versus a 'minoría ruidosa' (vocal minority) and how these terms are used to manipulate political discourse. B2 learners are expected to master the grammatical intricacies of collective nouns perfectly, knowing exactly when to use singular or plural verbs based on the register (formal vs. informal) and the specific syntactic structure of the sentence. They also delve deeper into the legal terminology, fully understanding and using 'minoría de edad' in discussions about juvenile justice, emancipation, and legal rights. At this level, learners practice paraphrasing and using synonyms effectively to avoid repetition, employing words like 'sector', 'fracción', or 'grupo minoritario' interchangeably with 'minoría' depending on the exact shade of meaning required. They are capable of writing detailed argumentative essays defending the rights of minorities or analyzing the impact of minority groups on cultural trends. The word 'minoría' becomes a tool for advanced critical thinking and expression in Spanish, allowing learners to participate fully in intellectual and societal debates.
At the C1 level, the understanding and application of 'minoría' reach an advanced, near-native proficiency. Learners encounter the word in highly specialized and abstract contexts, including academic literature, legal documents, and advanced philosophical discourse. They are sensitive to the sociolinguistic implications of the term, understanding how the label 'minoría' can be empowering or marginalizing depending on the speaker's intent and the historical context. C1 learners explore complex collocations and idiomatic expressions. They might discuss 'el gobierno en minoría' (minority government) and understand the intricate political instability it implies in parliamentary systems. They analyze texts that critique the concept of 'minoría' itself, discussing whether numerical inferiority always equates to a lack of power (e.g., a wealthy elite is a numerical minority but holds majority power). Grammatically, C1 learners manipulate sentence structures effortlessly, using 'minoría' in complex clauses with subjunctive moods, such as 'Es imperativo que la minoría sea escuchada' (It is imperative that the minority be heard). They also understand regional variations and highly specific legal definitions of 'minoría de edad' across different Spanish-speaking countries. The vocabulary is integrated seamlessly into their active lexicon, allowing them to articulate highly nuanced arguments about diversity, inclusion, and democratic theory without hesitation. They can detect irony, sarcasm, or political spin in the media's use of the word 'minoría'.
At the C2 level, mastery of the word 'minoría' is absolute, reflecting a deep, academic, and cultural immersion in the Spanish language. Learners at this level use the word with the same precision, creativity, and cultural awareness as a highly educated native speaker. They can engage in profound academic debates regarding the sociology of minorities, referencing specific historical movements, legal precedents, and demographic shifts in the Spanish-speaking world. They understand the etymological roots of the word and how its usage has evolved over centuries. C2 learners can deconstruct complex political rhetoric, analyzing how politicians use the concept of 'minoría' to build coalitions or divide electorates. They are comfortable reading and producing highly technical texts, such as constitutional law analyses or sociological dissertations, where 'minoría' is defined with strict parameters. Furthermore, they can play with the language, using 'minoría' in poetic or literary ways, perhaps using oxymorons like 'la inmensa minoría' (the immense minority)—a famous phrase by Spanish poet Juan Ramón Jiménez—to describe a select, enlightened group of readers. At this pinnacle of language learning, 'minoría' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a complex conceptual tool used to navigate and articulate the deepest layers of human society, politics, and culture in the Spanish language.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

minoría en 30 secondes

  • Refers to the smaller part of a group, less than half.
  • Often describes ethnic, religious, or political groups with less power.
  • Used legally as 'minoría de edad' to mean being underage.
  • Grammatically a feminine singular noun, opposite of 'mayoría'.
The Spanish word 'minoría' is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'minority' in English. When we discuss the concept of a minoría, we are inherently talking about the smaller number or part of a larger whole, especially a group or section of a larger group that differs in some way from the majority. This difference can be based on a multitude of factors, including but not limited to race, religion, political affiliation, language, cultural practices, or simply numerical representation in a specific context. Understanding the word minoría is crucial for anyone looking to achieve fluency in Spanish, particularly at the A2 level and beyond, as it frequently appears in everyday conversations, news broadcasts, sociological discussions, and political debates. To fully grasp its meaning, one must consider its opposite, 'mayoría' (majority), which provides the necessary contrast. In a democratic society, the relationship between the mayoría and the minoría is a constant subject of analysis. The minoría often requires specific protections or considerations to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected. From a grammatical standpoint, minoría is a feminine singular noun. It is accompanied by feminine articles such as 'la' (the) or 'una' (a). For example, one might say 'la minoría de los estudiantes' (the minority of the students) or 'una pequeña minoría' (a small minority). When using minoría as a collective noun, Spanish speakers often face a choice regarding verb agreement. Strictly speaking, formal grammar dictates that the verb should be in the singular to agree with the singular noun minoría, as in 'la minoría cree que...' (the minority believes that...). However, in colloquial usage, especially when the noun is followed by a plural prepositional phrase like 'de las personas' (of the people), it is very common to hear the verb in the plural, as in 'la minoría de las personas creen que...' (the minority of the people believe that...). This phenomenon is known as 'concordancia ad sensum' or agreement by sense, where the speaker aligns the verb with the plural meaning of the group rather than the singular grammatical form of the word. Both forms are generally understood, but the singular agreement is preferred in formal writing. Beyond its numerical and sociological meanings, minoría can also refer to the state of being under the legal age of adulthood, though this is more commonly expressed as 'minoría de edad'. In this context, a person who has not yet reached the age of eighteen (in most Spanish-speaking countries) is considered to be in a state of minoría de edad, meaning they do not possess the full legal rights and responsibilities of an adult. This distinction is important in legal and administrative contexts. Let us look at some practical examples to solidify our understanding of this essential vocabulary word.

Solo una pequeña minoría de los asistentes votó en contra de la propuesta de ley.

This sentence demonstrates the numerical use of the word in a formal setting.
Sociological Minority
A group differing from the main population in race, religion, or culture.

El gobierno debe proteger los derechos de la minoría en todo momento.

Political Minority
The political party or group with fewer votes or less representation.

El partido de la oposición está actualmente en minoría en el senado nacional.

Age Minority
The legal state of being underage or a minor.

El joven aún está en minoría de edad y no puede firmar el contrato.

Una minoría ruidosa a menudo puede cambiar el curso de las decisiones políticas.

This final example shows how the word is used to describe group dynamics and influence in society. By mastering the various contexts and grammatical nuances of minoría, learners can significantly enhance their ability to express complex ideas in Spanish.
Using the word 'minoría' correctly in Spanish requires an understanding of its grammatical properties, its common collocations, and the specific contexts in which it is most appropriate. As a feminine noun, 'minoría' must always be accompanied by feminine articles and adjectives. You will use 'la minoría' for 'the minority' and 'una minoría' for 'a minority'. When describing the size or nature of the minority, adjectives must agree in gender and number. Common examples include 'una pequeña minoría' (a small minority), 'una gran minoría' (a large minority), 'una minoría silenciosa' (a silent minority), and 'una minoría absoluta' (an absolute minority). One of the most important grammatical considerations when using 'minoría' is subject-verb agreement. Because 'minoría' is a collective noun—a singular word that refers to a group of individuals—it can sometimes cause confusion. In strict, formal Spanish grammar, when 'minoría' is the subject of a sentence, the verb should be conjugated in the third-person singular. For instance, 'La minoría decide no participar' (The minority decides not to participate). However, it is extremely common in both spoken and written Spanish to use a plural verb when 'minoría' is followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies the members of the group, such as 'de los estudiantes' (of the students) or 'de los ciudadanos' (of the citizens). In these cases, you will frequently hear 'La minoría de los estudiantes deciden no participar' (The minority of the students decide not to participate). This is known as 'concordancia ad sensum' (agreement by sense). While both are widely accepted, using the singular verb is considered more formally correct and is recommended for academic or professional writing. Another crucial aspect of using 'minoría' is mastering its associated prepositions. The phrase 'en minoría' is essential; it translates to 'in the minority' and is used to describe the state or position of a group. For example, 'Estamos en minoría' means 'We are in the minority'. You might also encounter the phrase 'ser minoría', which means 'to be a minority'. When discussing legal age, the specific phrase 'minoría de edad' is used to mean 'underage' or 'minority' in a legal sense. It is important not to confuse this with simply 'minoría'. If you want to say someone is a minor, you can say 'Es menor de edad', but if you are referring to the concept of being underage, you use 'la minoría de edad'. Let us explore these usages through practical examples and structured formatting.

La minoría de los votantes se quedó en casa durante las elecciones.

This illustrates the singular verb agreement with a collective noun.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must be feminine singular to match minoría.

Solo una inmensa minoría comprende la complejidad de este problema matemático.

Prepositional Phrases
Using 'en' to indicate the state of being a minority.

Nuestro equipo está claramente en minoría en esta competencia.

Legal Context
Using minoría to refer to age.

Durante su minoría de edad, sus padres administraron su herencia.

Una minoría étnica tiene derechos que deben ser respetados por la constitución.

By practicing these structures, learners can confidently integrate 'minoría' into their active vocabulary, ensuring grammatical accuracy and contextual appropriateness in various communicative situations.
The word 'minoría' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts ranging from casual daily conversations to highly formal academic and political discourse. Because it describes a fundamental concept of group dynamics and numerical proportion, you will encounter it frequently if you engage with Spanish media, literature, or social environments. One of the most common places you will hear 'minoría' is in the news, particularly in segments covering politics, elections, and government policy. Journalists and political analysts constantly discuss the actions and influence of the 'minoría parlamentaria' (parliamentary minority) or how a specific law might affect a 'minoría social' (social minority). In democratic systems, the balance of power between the majority and the minority is a daily topic of debate, making this word indispensable for anyone following current events in Spain, Latin America, or Spanish-speaking communities globally. Beyond politics, 'minoría' is a key term in sociology and human rights discussions. You will hear it used to describe 'minorías étnicas' (ethnic minorities), 'minorías religiosas' (religious minorities), and 'minorías lingüísticas' (linguistic minorities). In these contexts, the word often carries a weight of advocacy and social justice, as discussions frequently revolve around protecting the rights, culture, and representation of these groups against the dominant majority. In everyday life, you might hear 'minoría' used in more mundane situations to describe any smaller subset of a group. For example, a teacher might note that 'una minoría de la clase no hizo la tarea' (a minority of the class did not do the homework), or a market researcher might report that 'solo una minoría de los consumidores prefiere este producto' (only a minority of consumers prefer this product). It is also used in sports to describe a team that is playing with fewer players due to a penalty, often expressed as 'jugar en minoría' (to play short-handed). Furthermore, the legal phrase 'minoría de edad' is standard in administrative and legal settings. You will see it on official forms, hear it in courtrooms, and encounter it in discussions about the rights and responsibilities of youth. Understanding where and how 'minoría' is used provides valuable insight into the cultural and societal priorities of the Spanish-speaking world. Let us look at some specific examples of where you might hear this word in action.

En las noticias de hoy, el presidente habló sobre la protección de la minoría en el país.

This is a typical example of political discourse.
Sociological Contexts
Discussions about race, religion, and culture.

El documental explora las tradiciones de una minoría indígena en la región amazónica.

Everyday Statistics
Describing small portions of a group in daily life.

Afortunadamente, los que se quejaron del servicio fueron solo una minoría.

Legal and Administrative
Referring to the status of being a minor.

El juez determinó que, debido a su minoría de edad, no iría a prisión.

El equipo tuvo que defender en minoría tras la expulsión de su capitán.

Recognizing these contexts will help you anticipate the word 'minoría' and understand its nuanced meanings depending on the situation.
When learning and using the word 'minoría', Spanish learners frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls. Understanding these common mistakes is essential for achieving a higher level of fluency and sounding more natural when speaking or writing. The most prevalent error involves subject-verb agreement. Because 'minoría' refers to a group of people, many learners instinctively want to use a plural verb, especially when translating directly from English where 'the minority are' is sometimes acceptable. However, in Spanish, 'minoría' is grammatically singular. Therefore, the strictly correct form is to use a singular verb: 'La minoría piensa' (The minority thinks), not 'La minoría piensan'. The confusion deepens when a plural modifier is added, such as 'La minoría de los ciudadanos'. Here, native speakers often use the plural verb ('piensan') in casual speech—a concept known as 'concordancia ad sensum'. While acceptable in conversation, learners should default to the singular verb in formal writing to avoid being corrected by strict grammarians. Another common mistake is gender agreement. 'Minoría' ends in '-a' and is a feminine noun. Learners sometimes mistakenly use masculine articles or adjectives, saying 'el minoría' or 'un minoría pequeño'. It must always be 'la minoría' or 'una minoría pequeña'. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'minoría' with 'menor'. While both relate to the concept of being smaller or lesser, they are used differently. 'Menor' is an adjective meaning 'smaller' or 'younger', or a noun meaning 'a minor' (a young person). 'Minoría' is strictly a noun referring to the smaller group or the state of being underage ('minoría de edad'). You cannot say 'Él es una minoría' to mean 'He is a minor'; you must say 'Él es menor de edad'. Conversely, you cannot say 'La menor de las personas' to mean 'The minority of the people'; you must say 'La minoría de las personas'. Finally, a subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. When expressing that a group is outnumbered, the correct phrase is 'estar en minoría'. Learners sometimes directly translate 'to be a minority' as 'ser una minoría' in contexts where 'estar en minoría' is more appropriate to describe the temporary state of being outnumbered in a specific situation, such as a vote or a debate. Let us review these mistakes with clear examples and corrections.

Incorrecto: El minoría de los estudiantes. Correcto: La minoría de los estudiantes.

This highlights the importance of feminine gender agreement.
Verb Agreement Error
Using a plural verb with the singular noun minoría without a plural modifier.

Incorrecto: La minoría quieren un cambio. Correcto: La minoría quiere un cambio.

Confusing Minoría and Menor
Using minoría to refer to a single underage person.

Incorrecto: Mi hermano es una minoría. Correcto: Mi hermano es menor de edad.

Preposition Errors
Using the wrong verb to express being outnumbered.

Incorrecto: Somos una minoría en esta sala. Mejor: Estamos en minoría en esta sala.

Recuerda que la minoría siempre lleva adjetivos femeninos, como 'pequeña' o 'silenciosa'.

By actively avoiding these common errors, learners can use 'minoría' with confidence and precision.
Expanding your vocabulary around the word 'minoría' involves learning its synonyms, antonyms, and related terms that describe group sizes, parts of a whole, and demographic segments. The most direct and important antonym is, of course, 'mayoría' (majority). Understanding the dichotomy between minoría and mayoría is essential, as they are frequently used together in contrasting statements, such as 'La mayoría votó a favor, pero una minoría se opuso' (The majority voted in favor, but a minority opposed). When looking for synonyms or words with similar meanings to minoría, the context is key. If you are referring to a small part of a larger group, you might use words like 'fracción' (fraction), 'parte' (part), 'porción' (portion), or 'sector' (sector). For example, instead of saying 'una minoría de la sociedad', you could say 'un sector de la sociedad' (a sector of society). While not exact synonyms, these words convey a similar idea of a subset. In political or sociological contexts, you might encounter terms like 'grupo minoritario' (minority group), which is often used interchangeably with minoría but places more emphasis on the people as a cohesive unit. Another related concept is 'excepción' (exception), which can sometimes overlap with minoría when describing something that deviates from the norm, though it is less about numbers and more about rules. When discussing the legal aspect of 'minoría de edad', related terms include 'juventud' (youth), 'infancia' (childhood), and 'adolescencia' (adolescence). The opposite of 'minoría de edad' is 'mayoría de edad' (legal age of majority). Understanding these related words allows you to add variety and nuance to your Spanish. Instead of repeating 'minoría' constantly, you can select the precise word that best fits your intended meaning. Let us explore these similar and related words through structured examples.

Aunque la minoría no estaba de acuerdo, la mayoría decidió avanzar con el proyecto.

This sentence highlights the classic contrast between the two main antonyms.
Sector
A specific part or branch of a larger group or society.

Un sector de la población, que representa una minoría, exige mejores condiciones laborales.

Fracción
A small part or proportion of a whole.

Solo una pequeña fracción de los invitados, una verdadera minoría, llegó a tiempo.

Grupo Minoritario
A minority group, often used in sociology.

El gobierno implementó políticas para ayudar a cada grupo minoritario y a la minoría en general.

Alcanzar la mayoría de edad significa dejar atrás la minoría de edad legal.

By integrating these synonyms and related terms into your vocabulary, you will be able to express complex demographic and numerical concepts with greater accuracy and elegance in Spanish.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Argot

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Una minoría de la clase habla inglés.

A minority of the class speaks English.

Use 'una minoría' with a singular verb 'habla'.

2

La minoría de los gatos son negros.

The minority of the cats are black.

Basic introduction to 'la minoría de'.

3

Somos una minoría aquí.

We are a minority here.

Using 'ser' with 'una minoría'.

4

La minoría quiere pizza.

The minority wants pizza.

Singular verb 'quiere' with singular subject 'minoría'.

5

Es una minoría muy pequeña.

It is a very small minority.

Adjective 'pequeña' agrees in gender with 'minoría'.

6

La minoría no tiene coche.

The minority does not have a car.

Negative sentence structure with 'minoría'.

7

Solo una minoría lee este libro.

Only a minority reads this book.

Using 'solo' (only) to emphasize the small number.

8

La minoría de mi familia vive en Madrid.

The minority of my family lives in Madrid.

Using 'minoría' to describe parts of a family.

1

Estamos en minoría en esta decisión.

We are in the minority in this decision.

The phrase 'estar en minoría' means to be outnumbered.

2

Una gran minoría votó por él.

A large minority voted for him.

Using 'gran' before 'minoría' to indicate a substantial small group.

3

La minoría de los estudiantes aprobaron el examen difícil.

The minority of the students passed the difficult exam.

Colloquial plural verb agreement 'aprobaron' with 'minoría de los estudiantes'.

4

No puede beber alcohol por su minoría de edad.

He cannot drink alcohol because of his underage status.

Introduction of the legal phrase 'minoría de edad'.

5

Pertenecen a una minoría cultural.

They belong to a cultural minority.

Using 'pertenecer a' (to belong to) with 'minoría'.

6

La minoría silenciosa no dice nada.

The silent minority says nothing.

Adjective 'silenciosa' modifying 'minoría'.

7

Jugamos en minoría porque expulsaron a Juan.

We played short-handed because Juan was sent off.

Sports context: 'jugar en minoría'.

8

Solo una minoría de la gente recicla siempre.

Only a minority of people always recycle.

Using 'minoría de la gente' for general statistics.

1

El gobierno debe garantizar los derechos de la minoría.

The government must guarantee the rights of the minority.

Political context: 'derechos de la minoría'.

2

Es una minoría étnica que sufre discriminación.

It is an ethnic minority that suffers discrimination.

Sociological vocabulary: 'minoría étnica'.

3

El partido gobernante está ahora en minoría en el parlamento.

The ruling party is now in the minority in parliament.

Political context: 'estar en minoría' in a government setting.

4

La ley fue aprobada, aunque una minoría votó en contra.

The law was passed, although a minority voted against it.

Using 'aunque' (although) to contrast majority and minority actions.

5

Durante su minoría de edad, estuvo bajo la tutela de su abuela.

During his minority (underage years), he was under his grandmother's guardianship.

Legal context: 'tutela' and 'minoría de edad'.

6

Representan a una minoría lingüística en la región.

They represent a linguistic minority in the region.

Specific type of minority: 'minoría lingüística'.

7

Una minoría de los encuestados se mostró satisfecha con el servicio.

A minority of the respondents showed satisfaction with the service.

Statistical context: 'minoría de los encuestados'.

8

A veces, la minoría tiene la razón.

Sometimes, the minority is right.

Philosophical/everyday expression about truth and numbers.

1

La tiranía de la mayoría puede oprimir a la minoría si no hay leyes claras.

The tyranny of the majority can oppress the minority if there are no clear laws.

Advanced political concept: 'tiranía de la mayoría'.

2

El tribunal falló a favor de la minoría discriminada.

The court ruled in favor of the discriminated minority.

Legal vocabulary: 'fallar a favor' and past participle as adjective 'discriminada'.

3

Se trata de una minoría absoluta que no tiene poder de veto.

It is an absolute minority that has no veto power.

Specific term: 'minoría absoluta'.

4

La emancipación pone fin a la minoría de edad antes de los 18 años.

Emancipation puts an end to minority (underage status) before the age of 18.

Advanced legal concept: 'emancipación' ending 'minoría de edad'.

5

Los sociólogos estudian cómo se integra esta minoría en la sociedad de acogida.

Sociologists study how this minority integrates into the host society.

Academic vocabulary: 'sociedad de acogida' and 'integrarse'.

6

Forman una minoría de bloqueo en el consejo de administración.

They form a blocking minority on the board of directors.

Business/Political term: 'minoría de bloqueo'.

7

A pesar de ser una minoría, su influencia cultural es innegable.

Despite being a minority, their cultural influence is undeniable.

Using 'A pesar de ser' (Despite being) to show contrast.

8

La concordancia verbal con 'minoría' puede ser singular o plural dependiendo del enfoque.

Verbal agreement with 'minoría' can be singular or plural depending on the focus.

Meta-linguistic sentence explaining the grammar of the word itself.

1

El gobierno en minoría se vio obligado a pactar con la oposición para aprobar los presupuestos.

The minority government was forced to make a pact with the opposition to pass the budget.

Complex political scenario: 'gobierno en minoría'.

2

La protección de las minorías es un pilar fundamental del derecho internacional contemporáneo.

The protection of minorities is a fundamental pillar of contemporary international law.

Academic/Legal register: 'pilar fundamental' and 'derecho internacional'.

3

Juan Ramón Jiménez dedicó su obra 'a la inmensa minoría', un oxímoron fascinante.

Juan Ramón Jiménez dedicated his work 'to the immense minority', a fascinating oxymoron.

Literary reference and use of oxymoron.

4

El concepto de minoría no siempre es numérico; a menudo denota una asimetría de poder.

The concept of minority is not always numerical; it often denotes a power asymmetry.

Sociological theory: 'asimetría de poder'.

5

La minoría de edad penal es un tema de intenso debate entre los juristas.

The age of criminal responsibility (penal minority) is a topic of intense debate among jurists.

Specific legal term: 'minoría de edad penal'.

6

Se constató que la minoría de los accionistas había sido vulnerada en sus derechos.

It was confirmed that the minority of the shareholders had their rights violated.

Corporate law context: 'accionistas' and passive voice 'había sido vulnerada'.

7

La asimilación forzada amenaza la supervivencia de las minorías autóctonas.

Forced assimilation threatens the survival of indigenous minorities.

Advanced sociological vocabulary: 'asimilación forzada' and 'autóctonas'.

8

Actuaron con la audacia propia de una minoría convencida de su superioridad moral.

They acted with the audacity typical of a minority convinced of its moral superiority.

Complex descriptive sentence using 'propia de' and past participle.

1

La dialéctica entre mayoría y minoría vertebra la teoría democrática de Tocqueville.

The dialectic between majority and minority underpins Tocqueville's democratic theory.

Highly academic philosophical discourse.

2

La jurisprudencia reciente ha redefinido los contornos de la minoría de edad en el ámbito digital.

Recent jurisprudence has redefined the contours of minority (underage status) in the digital realm.

Advanced legal analysis regarding modern technology.

3

Es una falacia ad populum asumir que la minoría está intrínsecamente equivocada.

It is an ad populum fallacy to assume that the minority is intrinsically wrong.

Use of logical terminology and advanced adverbs.

4

La minorización de ciertas lenguas es un proceso histórico reversible mediante políticas lingüísticas activas.

The minoritization of certain languages is a historical process reversible through active linguistic policies.

Introduction of the related abstract noun 'minorización'.

5

El statu quo se mantiene gracias a la inacción de una mayoría complaciente frente a una minoría hegemónica.

The status quo is maintained thanks to the inaction of a complacent majority facing a hegemonic minority.

Advanced political science terminology: 'minoría hegemónica'.

6

La salvaguarda de los derechos de las minorías consuetudinarias requiere un enfoque interseccional.

Safeguarding the rights of customary minorities requires an intersectional approach.

Highly specialized sociological jargon: 'consuetudinarias' and 'interseccional'.

7

En el senado, la minoría ejerció un filibusterismo implacable para dilatar la votación.

In the senate, the minority exercised relentless filibustering to delay the vote.

Specific political tactics: 'filibusterismo'.

8

La ontología del grupo minoritario se define a menudo por su alteridad respecto al canon establecido.

The ontology of the minority group is often defined by its alterity regarding the established canon.

Deep philosophical and literary analysis.

Collocations courantes

minoría absoluta
minoría étnica
minoría silenciosa
minoría de edad
gobierno en minoría
proteger a la minoría
estar en minoría
quedar en minoría
representar a la minoría
una pequeña minoría

Phrases Courantes

en minoría

la inmensa minoría

minoría de bloqueo

derechos de las minorías

por minoría

una minoría ruidosa

pasar a ser minoría

minoría parlamentaria

minoría social

minoría lingüística

Souvent confondu avec

minoría vs menor

minoría vs minoridad

minoría vs minoritario

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

minoría vs

minoría vs

minoría vs

minoría vs

minoría vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'minoría' is a collective noun, it is distinct from words like 'gente' (people) which always takes a singular verb. 'Minoría' is more flexible due to the frequent use of the partitive 'de' (minority OF). Also, distinguish clearly between 'minoría' (the group) and 'minoritario' (the adjective, e.g., 'un partido minoritario').

Erreurs courantes
  • Using a plural verb with 'la minoría' when there is no plural modifier attached (e.g., saying 'La minoría van' instead of 'La minoría va').
  • Calling an underage person 'una minoría' instead of 'un menor'.
  • Forgetting the feminine agreement and saying 'el minoría' or 'un minoría'.
  • Translating 'to be in the minority' literally as 'ser en minoría' instead of the correct 'estar en minoría'.
  • Omitting the accent mark on the 'í', writing 'minoria', which is a spelling error.

Astuces

Verb Agreement Rule

When writing formally, always use a singular verb with 'la minoría' (e.g., La minoría decide). In casual speech, if you add 'de los [plural noun]', you can use a plural verb (e.g., La minoría de los chicos deciden).

Estar vs. Ser

Use 'estar en minoría' to say you are outnumbered in a specific situation. Use 'ser una minoría' to state the fact that a group constitutes a minority in a broader demographic sense.

Mind the Hiatus

Don't blend the 'i' and 'a' at the end of the word. The accent mark means you must pronounce them as separate syllables: mi-no-RÍ-a. This is crucial for being understood.

Legal Age Distinction

Never call a young person 'una minoría'. A young person is 'un menor'. The concept of being underage is 'la minoría de edad'. This is a very common translation mistake.

Common Adjectives

Enhance your vocabulary by pairing 'minoría' with descriptive adjectives. Learn phrases like 'minoría silenciosa' (silent minority), 'minoría oprimida' (oppressed minority), and 'inmensa minoría' (immense minority).

News Vocabulary

If you want to practice listening, tune into Spanish political news. The words 'minoría' and 'mayoría' are used constantly when discussing parliament, voting, and laws.

Avoid Repetition

In essays, don't use 'minoría' in every sentence. Mix it up with synonyms like 'un sector', 'una fracción', or 'un grupo minoritario' to make your writing flow better.

Cuatro Gatos

If you want to sound like a native when describing a very small minority of people at an event, use the idiom 'ser cuatro gatos' (to be four cats). Example: 'En la fiesta solo éramos cuatro gatos'.

Always Learn the Pair

Whenever you study 'minoría', review 'mayoría' at the same time. They are two sides of the same coin and follow the exact same grammatical rules.

Don't Forget the Tilde

Always write the accent mark (tilde) on the 'í'. Without it, the word is misspelled and technically would be pronounced differently according to Spanish stress rules.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'MINI' in MINoría to remember it means the smaller (mini) part of a group.

Origine du mot

From Late Latin 'minoritas', derived from 'minor' (less, smaller).

Contexte culturel

The age of majority (ending 'minoría de edad') is almost universally 18 across Spanish-speaking countries, celebrated as a major life milestone.

Regional political minorities (e.g., Basque or Catalan parties) frequently hold the balance of power in the national parliament.

The term is heavily used in the context of indigenous rights and protecting ancestral lands and languages.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que la opinión de la minoría siempre debe ser escuchada en una democracia?"

"¿A qué edad termina la minoría de edad en tu país?"

"¿Alguna vez te has sentido en minoría en una situación social?"

"¿Qué medidas crees que protegen mejor a las minorías culturales?"

"¿Es justo que una minoría de bloqueo detenga una ley importante?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una vez en la que tu opinión estaba en minoría. ¿Cómo te sentiste?

Investiga y describe una minoría lingüística en un país hispanohablante.

Reflexiona sobre el concepto de 'minoría de edad'. ¿Crees que los 18 años es la edad correcta para ser adulto?

Analiza cómo los medios de comunicación de tu país representan a las minorías.

Escribe un breve ensayo sobre el equilibrio de poder entre la mayoría y la minoría.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Grammatically, 'minoría' is a singular feminine noun. It refers to a single group. However, because it represents multiple people, it can sometimes take a plural verb in casual speech when followed by a plural noun phrase. For example, 'la minoría de los niños juegan'. In formal writing, singular is preferred: 'la minoría juega'.

You use the phrase 'minoría de edad' to refer to the state of being underage. If you want to say a specific person is underage, you say 'es menor de edad'. Do not say 'es una minoría' to mean a person is underage.

The direct opposite is 'mayoría', which means majority. Both words follow the exact same grammatical rules regarding gender, articles, and verb agreement. They are frequently used together to contrast groups.

You can absolutely use it for objects or abstract concepts, though it is most commonly used for people. For example, you can say 'una minoría de los coches son eléctricos' (a minority of the cars are electric) or 'la minoría de los problemas son graves' (the minority of the problems are serious).

This is a very common phrase that translates to 'to be in the minority' or 'to be outnumbered'. If you are playing a game and your team has fewer players, you are 'en minoría'. If you hold an unpopular opinion in a room, you are 'en minoría'.

The accent mark on the 'í' (minoría) indicates a hiatus. It breaks the diphthong that would normally form between the 'i' and the 'a', ensuring that the word is pronounced with four distinct syllables (mi-no-rí-a) and that the stress falls on the 'i'.

In political terms, a 'minoría absoluta' refers to a group that holds significantly less than half of the representation, meaning they cannot block or pass legislation on their own. It contrasts with 'mayoría absoluta' (absolute majority).

Yes, they are practically synonymous in sociological contexts. 'Grupo minoritario' (minority group) places a bit more emphasis on the people as a cohesive unit, while 'minoría' can be purely numerical. They can usually be used interchangeably.

You say 'una pequeña minoría'. Because 'minoría' is feminine, the adjective 'pequeño' must change to its feminine form, 'pequeña'. You can also say 'una reducida minoría'.

Yes, the plural form is 'minorías'. You use this when talking about multiple distinct minority groups. For example, 'El país tiene varias minorías étnicas' (The country has several ethnic minorities).

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