menor en 30 secondes
- Menor means 'smaller' or 'younger' and is the irregular comparative of 'pequeno'.
- It is used for both masculine and feminine nouns without changing its form.
- In legal contexts, it refers to a 'minor' or someone under the age of 18.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'menor de idade' and 'não ter a menor ideia'.
The Portuguese word menor is a fundamental adjective that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it serves as the irregular comparative form of the adjective pequeno (small). While in English we often add '-er' to create 'smaller,' Portuguese uses this specific word to denote that something is of a lesser size, quantity, or age compared to something else. It is a versatile term that transitions seamlessly between physical descriptions, abstract concepts, and legal definitions.
- Physical Comparison
- When comparing the dimensions of two objects, menor is the go-to word. For example, if you are comparing two houses, the one with less square footage is the casa menor. Unlike many adjectives in Portuguese, menor is uniform for both masculine and feminine nouns (o carro menor, a mesa menor).
Este apartamento é menor do que o anterior, mas é mais aconchegante.
- Age and Family
- In the context of people, menor frequently translates to 'younger.' When talking about siblings, your irmão menor is your younger brother. This usage is extremely common in daily conversation and is the standard way to distinguish between older and younger family members without necessarily using the word 'jovem' (young).
Beyond simple comparisons, menor functions as a noun in legal and social contexts. A menor de idade is a minor—someone under the legal age of adulthood (18 in most Lusophone countries). In news reports or legal documents, you might see the word used to refer to children or adolescents in general. Furthermore, in Brazilian urban slang, menor is often used as a colloquial way to address or refer to a young guy, similar to 'kid' or 'youngblood' in English.
A entrada é proibida para menores de dezoito anos.
- Abstract Importance
- The word also conveys a sense of hierarchy or importance. Something of menor importância is of minor importance. It suggests that in a list of priorities, this specific item ranks lower. This is crucial for professional settings where you need to categorize tasks or risks.
Isso é um problema menor que podemos resolver depois.
In summary, whether you are shopping for a tamanho menor (smaller size), talking about your irmã menor (younger sister), or discussing a menor impacto ambiental (smaller environmental impact), this word is an essential building block of Portuguese communication. Its ability to act as an adjective, a noun, and a comparative makes it a high-frequency term across all CEFR levels, from basic descriptions to complex legal arguments.
Using menor correctly requires understanding its role as a comparative adjective. Unlike regular adjectives that use 'mais' (more) to form comparisons (e.g., 'mais inteligente'), menor is inherently comparative. You should never say mais menor; this is a common error even among native speakers in informal settings, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard Portuguese.
- The Comparison Structure
- To compare two things, the formula is: [Noun A] + [Verb] + menor que (or menor do que) + [Noun B]. Both 'que' and 'do que' are acceptable, though 'do que' is often preferred in spoken Brazilian Portuguese for better rhythm.
A minha cidade é menor do que a sua.
- The Superlative Form
- To say something is 'the smallest,' you simply add the definite article (o, a, os, as) before the word. 'O menor' is the smallest (masculine), and 'a menor' is the smallest (feminine). Note that while 'menor' doesn't change for gender, it does change for number: menores.
Este é o menor preço que conseguimos encontrar.
Another important syntactic rule involves the use of menor with abstract nouns. Phrases like a menor ideia (the slightest idea) or o menor esforço (the slightest effort) are idiomatic. In these cases, menor emphasizes the absolute minimum of something. If you say 'Não tenho a menor ideia,' you are saying 'I don't have the slightest/smallest idea,' which is much stronger than just saying 'I don't know.'
Ele fez o menor esforço possível para passar na prova.
- Pluralization
- When describing multiple items, menor becomes menores. This applies to both adjectives and nouns. 'As crianças menores' (the smaller children) or 'Os menores foram protegidos' (the minors were protected). The ending '-or' to '-ores' is a standard pluralization pattern for adjectives ending in 'r' in Portuguese.
As fatias de bolo são menores hoje.
Finally, consider the positioning. While most adjectives in Portuguese follow the noun, menor is quite flexible. In 'o menor preço' (the lowest price), it precedes the noun to emphasize the superlative quality. In 'um irmão menor' (a younger brother), it follows the noun to serve as a clarifying descriptor. Mastering these subtle shifts in position will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and sophisticated.
You will encounter menor in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the most formal legal proceedings to the grittiest street slang. Understanding these contexts is key to knowing which 'vibe' the word is carrying at any given moment.
- In the Shopping Mall
- When trying on clothes, if a shirt is too big, you would ask the shop assistant: 'Você tem um tamanho menor?' (Do you have a smaller size?). In supermarkets, you might look for the menor preço (lowest price) or a embalagem menor (smaller package) if you live alone.
Este sapato ficou grande, preciso de um menor.
- In Legal and News Contexts
- Turn on any Brazilian news channel like Globo, and you will hear the term menor infrator. This is the legal term for a juvenile delinquent. Similarly, discussions about the maioridade penal (age of criminal responsibility) always involve the status of menores. In this context, the word is strictly a noun meaning 'minor.'
In the world of mathematics and science, menor is the standard term for 'less than.' The symbol '<' is read as menor que. Scientists might discuss a menor concentração of a substance or a menor probabilidade of an event occurring. This technical usage is precise and lacks the emotional weight the word might have in social contexts.
Cinco é menor que dez.
- Urban Slang (Brazil)
- If you listen to Brazilian Funk or Rap, especially from Rio de Janeiro, you'll hear 'menor' used constantly. It's a way for older guys in a community to refer to the younger ones. 'Fala, meu menor!' is a friendly greeting to a younger friend. It carries a sense of mentorship or simply identifies someone as being from a younger generation.
Aquele menor joga muita bola!
Lastly, in family gatherings, menor is the easiest way to clarify which cousin or sibling you are talking about. 'A Maria menor' might refer to the younger of two Marias in the family. It is a word that helps organize the world into hierarchies of size and age, making it indispensable for clear communication in any Portuguese-speaking environment.
Learning to use menor involves unlearning some habits from English and avoiding common pitfalls that even native speakers sometimes stumble into. Because it is an irregular form, it doesn't follow the standard 'mais + adjective' rule, which is the primary source of errors.
- The 'Mais Menor' Trap
- The most frequent mistake is saying mais menor. In English, we don't say 'more smaller,' and in Portuguese, you shouldn't say 'mais menor.' Since menor already means 'smaller,' adding 'mais' is redundant and considered a 'solecismo' (a grammatical error). Always use menor on its own.
Errado: Meu carro é mais menor.
Correto: Meu carro é menor.
- Menor vs. Menos
- English speakers often confuse menor (smaller) with menos (less). Use menor when comparing size, age, or quality of a noun. Use menos when talking about quantity or as an adverb. For example: 'Tenho menos dinheiro' (I have less money), but 'Tenho um carro menor' (I have a smaller car).
Another nuance is the 'mais pequeno' vs. 'menor' debate. In Brazil, 'mais pequeno' is generally avoided and can sound uneducated. However, in European Portuguese (Portugal), 'mais pequeno' is perfectly acceptable and often used for physical size, while 'menor' is reserved for abstract things or more formal speech. If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, stick to menor for everything to be safe.
Em Portugal: 'O quarto mais pequeno.'
No Brasil: 'O menor quarto.'
- Gender Agreement Confusion
- Because most Portuguese adjectives change from '-o' to '-a' (e.g., pequeno/pequena), beginners often try to say menora for feminine nouns. This word does not exist. Menor is an 'uniform' adjective, meaning it has the same form for both genders. 'O homem menor' and 'a mulher menor' are both correct.
A caixa é menor que a sacola. (Not 'menora')
Finally, be careful with the plural. The plural of menor is menores. A common mistake is to forget to pluralize the adjective when the noun is plural. 'Os problemas menores' is correct; 'Os problemas menor' is not. Keeping these few rules in mind will help you avoid the most common 'gringo' mistakes and speak with much greater accuracy.
While menor is a workhorse of the Portuguese language, there are several other words you can use to add variety or precision to your speech. Depending on whether you are talking about age, size, or importance, different alternatives might be more appropriate.
- Caçula
- When talking about the absolute youngest sibling in a family, Brazilians love the word caçula. While you can say 'meu irmão menor' for any younger brother, 'meu irmão caçula' specifically means the baby of the family, the very last one born. It carries a more affectionate, familial tone.
Eu sou o caçula de três irmãos.
- Inferior
- In formal or technical contexts, inferior is used to describe something that is lower in position, rank, or quality. While menor is about size, inferior is about hierarchy. For example, 'uma qualidade inferior' (an inferior quality) or 'a parte inferior da página' (the bottom part of the page).
For things that are extremely small, menor might feel too basic. You can use minúsculo (tiny) or diminuto (diminutive). These words add emphasis to the lack of size. If a portion of food is 'menor,' it's just smaller than another; if it's 'minúscula,' it's barely enough to see!
Ela mora em um apartamento minúsculo no centro.
- Reduzido
- When something has been made smaller by design or action, reduzido (reduced) is a great choice. You hear this in marketing: 'preço reduzido' (reduced price) or 'espaço reduzido' (limited/reduced space). It implies a process of shrinking rather than just a comparative state.
O grupo viajou com um orçamento reduzido.
In summary, while menor is your primary tool for comparisons, knowing when to use caçula for family, inferior for rank, or minúsculo for extreme smallness will significantly elevate your Portuguese. Each of these words carries a specific nuance that 'menor' alone cannot always capture, allowing you to be more expressive and precise in your communication.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'menor' shares the same root as 'minor' in English and 'moins' in French, showing the deep connection between Romance languages and Latin-derived English vocabulary.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing it like 'manner' in English.
- Adding an 'i' sound like 'menior'.
- Stress on the first syllable.
- Failing to pronounce the final 'r' sound.
- Confusing the nasal 'e' with a clear 'e'.
Niveau de difficulté
Very easy to recognize due to similarity with 'minor'.
Easy, but remember it's irregular (no 'mais pequeno' in Brazil).
Requires practice with the final 'r' and plural 'menores'.
Common and clearly articulated in most dialects.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Irregular Comparatives
Pequeno -> Menor (not mais pequeno).
Gender Invariance
O homem menor / A mulher menor.
Pluralization of -or
Menor -> Menores.
Superlative Construction
Artigo + Menor (O menor).
Comparison with 'do que'
A é menor do que B.
Exemples par niveau
O meu gato é menor que o seu cachorro.
My cat is smaller than your dog.
Comparison of size using 'menor que'.
Eu tenho uma irmã menor.
I have a younger sister.
'Menor' here means 'younger'.
Este livro é menor.
This book is smaller.
Simple adjective usage.
A maçã é menor que a laranja.
The apple is smaller than the orange.
Basic comparison.
O carro azul é menor.
The blue car is smaller.
Adjective following the noun.
Minha casa é menor.
My house is smaller.
Feminine noun 'casa' uses the same form 'menor'.
O copo é menor.
The cup is smaller.
Masculine noun 'copo' uses 'menor'.
Eles são menores.
They are smaller.
Plural form 'menores'.
Você tem um tamanho menor desta camisa?
Do you have a smaller size of this shirt?
Common shopping phrase.
Este é o menor preço da loja.
This is the lowest price in the store.
Superlative 'o menor'.
O meu irmão menor tem cinco anos.
My younger brother is five years old.
Using 'menor' for age.
A caixa menor está vazia.
The smaller box is empty.
Adjective specifying which box.
Quero a menor fatia de bolo, por favor.
I want the smallest slice of cake, please.
Superlative with a feminine noun.
O grupo é menor do que eu pensava.
The group is smaller than I thought.
Comparison using 'do que'.
Crianças menores não podem entrar aqui.
Smaller children cannot enter here.
Plural adjective 'menores'.
Este sapato é um pouco menor.
This shoe is a bit smaller.
Using 'um pouco' to modify the adjective.
Isso é um problema de menor importância agora.
That is a problem of minor importance now.
Abstract usage of 'menor'.
Não tenho a menor ideia de onde ele está.
I don't have the slightest idea where he is.
Idiomatic expression 'a menor ideia'.
A empresa teve um lucro menor este ano.
The company had a smaller profit this year.
Economic context.
O impacto ambiental foi menor do que o esperado.
The environmental impact was smaller than expected.
Formal comparison.
Ele é menor de idade e não pode dirigir.
He is a minor and cannot drive.
Legal term 'menor de idade'.
Houve uma menor participação dos alunos na palestra.
There was lower student participation in the lecture.
Describing quantity/participation.
Precisamos encontrar o menor caminho para o centro.
We need to find the shortest path to the center.
'Menor' meaning 'shortest' in distance.
Ela aceitou o emprego pelo menor salário.
She accepted the job for the lowest salary.
Superlative in a professional context.
O juiz decidiu a favor do menor.
The judge decided in favor of the minor.
'Menor' used as a noun for a legal minor.
O risco é menor se seguirmos o protocolo.
The risk is smaller if we follow the protocol.
Abstract comparison of risk.
A nova versão do software ocupa um espaço menor no disco.
The new version of the software takes up less space on the disk.
Technical context.
Escolhemos o menor dos males naquela situação.
We chose the lesser of two evils in that situation.
Idiomatic expression 'o menor dos males'.
A diferença entre os dois candidatos é cada vez menor.
The difference between the two candidates is increasingly smaller.
Political context.
O menor descuido pode causar um acidente grave.
The slightest oversight can cause a serious accident.
'Menor' meaning 'slightest'.
A produção foi realizada em menor escala para testar o mercado.
Production was carried out on a smaller scale to test the market.
Business phrase 'em menor escala'.
Os menores infratores serão encaminhados para reabilitação.
Juvenile offenders will be sent for rehabilitation.
Specific legal term 'menor infrator'.
A tese foca na influência das minorias em menor grau.
The thesis focuses on the influence of minorities to a lesser degree.
Academic phrase 'em menor grau'.
Não resta a menor dúvida sobre a veracidade dos fatos.
There isn't the slightest doubt about the truth of the facts.
Strong idiomatic negation.
O autor utiliza uma linguagem de menor complexidade para atingir o grande público.
The author uses language of lesser complexity to reach the general public.
Literary analysis.
A variação de temperatura foi menor do que a margem de erro.
The temperature variation was smaller than the margin of error.
Scientific precision.
A região sofreu um impacto menor devido às barreiras naturais.
The region suffered a smaller impact due to natural barriers.
Geographical/Environmental context.
O menor sinal de resistência será reprimido.
The slightest sign of resistance will be suppressed.
Formal/Political tone.
O projeto foi aprovado com a menor margem de votos da história.
The project was approved with the smallest margin of votes in history.
Historical/Political context.
A substância está presente em menor proporção na amostra B.
The substance is present in a smaller proportion in sample B.
Chemical/Scientific context.
A ontologia do ser não permite a menor fragmentação da consciência.
The ontology of being does not allow the slightest fragmentation of consciousness.
Philosophical discourse.
O poema evoca a melancolia através da menor das alusões.
The poem evokes melancholy through the slightest of allusions.
Literary criticism.
A eficácia do fármaco é inversamente proporcional à menor dosagem.
The drug's efficacy is inversely proportional to the smallest dosage.
Advanced scientific logic.
O réu foi absolvido por não haver o menor indício de dolo.
The defendant was acquitted because there was not the slightest hint of intent.
High-level legal terminology.
A estrutura narrativa se sustenta no menor detalhe descritivo.
The narrative structure is sustained by the smallest descriptive detail.
Stylistic analysis.
O menor desvio na trajetória resultaria em um desastre orbital.
The smallest deviation in trajectory would result in an orbital disaster.
Aerospace context.
A política externa foi pautada pela lei do menor esforço diplomático.
Foreign policy was guided by the law of least diplomatic effort.
Political irony.
A menor das partículas subatômicas desafia as leis da física clássica.
The smallest of subatomic particles defies the laws of classical physics.
Theoretical physics context.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— The principle of doing the minimum required.
Ele vive pela lei do menor esforço.
Souvent confondu avec
Menos means 'less' (quantity); menor means 'smaller' (size/age).
Pequeno is the base form; menor is the comparative (smaller).
Mínimo is the absolute smallest; menor is just smaller than something else.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To have absolutely no clue about something.
Não tenho a menor ideia de quem ligou.
informal/neutral— The best option among several bad ones.
Aceitar o acordo foi o menor dos males.
neutral— To make no sense at all; to be totally inappropriate.
Sua atitude não tem o menor cabimento.
informal— For the cheapest price possible.
Ele sempre quer comprar tudo pelo menor preço.
neutral— To completely ignore someone or something (Brazilian slang).
Ela não deu a menor bola para ele.
slang— Even the tiniest piece of information.
Ele prestou atenção ao menor detalhe.
neutral— Legally not an adult.
Bebidas alcoólicas são proibidas para menores de idade.
formal/legalFacile à confondre
Both start with 'men' and relate to smallness.
Menor is an adjective (smaller); menos is an adverb or quantifier (less).
Tenho menos (less) tempo em uma casa menor (smaller).
Literal translation of 'more small'.
Standard in Portugal for size; considered incorrect/informal in Brazil.
Em Lisboa dizem 'mais pequeno', em SP dizem 'menor'.
Opposite meanings but same structure.
Maior is bigger/older; menor is smaller/younger.
Meu irmão maior é alto, meu irmão menor é baixo.
Related root.
Minoria is a noun (minority); menor is an adjective (smaller).
A minoria da população vive em casas menores.
Both are irregular comparatives ending in -or.
Melhor means better; menor means smaller.
Este carro é menor, mas é melhor.
Structures de phrases
[Noun] é menor que [Noun]
O gato é menor que o cão.
O meu [Family Member] menor
O meu irmão menor.
Não ter a menor [Noun]
Não tenho a menor pressa.
Ser menor de idade
Ela ainda é menor de idade.
Em menor escala/grau
Isso ocorre em menor escala.
O menor dos [Plural Noun]
O menor dos detalhes importa.
O menor [Noun] da [Place]
O menor preço da loja.
[Noun] de menor importância
Um fato de menor importância.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Extremely high in all registers.
-
mais menor
→
menor
Menor is already a comparative. Adding 'mais' is a redundant error.
-
a menora
→
a menor
Menor does not have a feminine form ending in 'a'. It is gender-neutral.
-
os menor
→
os menores
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun. The plural is 'menores'.
-
tenho menor dinheiro
→
tenho menos dinheiro
Use 'menos' for uncountable quantities like money, not 'menor'.
-
mais pequeno (in Brazil)
→
menor
While common in Portugal, 'mais pequeno' sounds unnatural in most Brazilian contexts.
Astuces
Avoid Redundancy
Never use 'mais' with 'menor'. It's like saying 'more smaller' in English. It sounds very uneducated to native speakers.
Sibling Distinction
While 'irmão mais novo' is also common, 'irmão menor' is very standard for younger brother.
Regional Nuance
If you are in Portugal, don't be surprised to hear 'mais pequeno'. In Brazil, stick to 'menor'.
Expressing Doubt
Use 'Não tenho a menor ideia' to sound more fluent than just saying 'Não sei'.
Legal Age
Remember that 'menor' is the standard legal term for anyone under 18 in Brazil.
Final R
In many Brazilian accents, the final 'r' is very soft. Focus on the stressed 'O' sound before it.
Formal Reports
In business, use 'em menor escala' to describe a reduction in operations or impact.
Less Than
The math symbol '<' is always read as 'menor que' in Portuguese.
Size Matters
When shopping, 'um número menor' refers to a smaller shoe or clothing size.
Addressing Youths
Be careful with the slang 'menor'; it's very informal and best used if you are familiar with the culture.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'Minor' (underage person). A minor is 'menor' (smaller/younger) than an adult.
Association visuelle
Imagine a 'Minus' sign (-). It looks like a small line. 'Menor' sounds like 'Minus' and means 'smaller'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find 5 things in your room and compare them using 'menor que'. Then, name your youngest relative using 'menor'.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin 'minor, minus', which was the comparative form of 'parvus' (small).
Sens originel : Smaller, less, inferior in size or importance.
Romance (Indo-European).Contexte culturel
In social work contexts in Brazil, avoid calling a child 'um menor' as it can sound dehumanizing; use 'uma criança' instead. However, in legal and casual contexts, it is still standard.
English speakers often use 'smaller' for size and 'younger' for age. Portuguese uses 'menor' for both, which can be a point of confusion for learners.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Shopping
- Tem um tamanho menor?
- Qual é o menor preço?
- Este é menor que o outro.
- Quero a menor embalagem.
Family
- Meu irmão menor.
- Minha irmã menor.
- Ele é o menor da família.
- Os filhos menores.
Legal
- Ele é menor de idade.
- Proibido para menores.
- Assistência ao menor.
- Guarda do menor.
Math/Science
- X é menor que Y.
- Em menor proporção.
- Menor valor comum.
- Menor distância.
Daily Idioms
- Não tenho a menor ideia.
- Não tem a menor graça.
- O menor dos males.
- Sem a menor dúvida.
Amorces de conversation
"Você tem algum irmão ou irmã menor?"
"Qual foi o menor preço que você já pagou por um celular?"
"Você prefere morar em uma casa grande ou em uma menor?"
"Você acha que as cidades estão ficando menores ou maiores?"
"Qual é a menor cidade que você já visitou?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreva uma situação em que você teve que escolher o menor dos males.
Fale sobre o seu irmão ou irmã menor (ou um primo). Como é a relação de vocês?
Escreva sobre um problema que parecia grande, mas na verdade era menor do que você pensava.
Quais são as vantagens de viver em um apartamento menor?
Você já esteve em uma situação onde não tinha a menor ideia do que fazer?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'mais menor' is grammatically incorrect. Since 'menor' already means 'smaller', adding 'mais' is redundant. Just say 'menor'.
No, 'menor' is an invariable adjective regarding gender. You say 'o carro menor' and 'a casa menor'.
The plural is 'menores'. For example: 'os problemas menores' or 'as crianças menores'.
Use 'caçula' specifically for the youngest sibling in a family. 'Menor' can refer to any younger sibling or any smaller object.
In Brazil, it is usually avoided. In Portugal, it is common for physical size. To be safe, 'menor' is always correct in both places.
You say 'irmão menor'.
It means 'underage' or 'a minor' (someone under 18).
Not exactly. 'Menos' means 'less'. 'Menor' means 'smaller'. However, in abstract terms like 'menor importância', it translates to 'less importance'.
It can be. In Brazilian urban slang, 'um menor' refers to a young guy or kid.
Use the article: 'o menor' (masc.) or 'a menor' (fem.).
Teste-toi 180 questions
Write a sentence comparing two animals using 'menor que'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I have a younger brother.'
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Use 'menor de idade' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence using 'o menor preço'.
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Translate: 'I don't have the slightest idea.'
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Write a sentence using 'menor importância'.
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Describe your house compared to your friend's house using 'menor'.
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Use the plural 'menores' in a sentence about children.
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Translate: 'The risk is smaller now.'
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Write a sentence using 'em menor escala'.
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Use 'menor' to describe a shirt size.
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Translate: 'Without the slightest doubt.'
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Write a sentence using 'o menor dos males'.
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Describe the youngest person in your family using 'menor'.
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Translate: 'Five is less than ten.'
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Write a sentence using 'menor infrator'.
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Use 'menor' in a sentence about a small city.
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Translate: 'The smallest detail matters.'
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Write a sentence using 'menor esforço'.
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Use 'menores' as a noun in a sentence.
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Say: 'O meu irmão é menor que eu.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Não tenho a menor ideia.'
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Say: 'Este é o menor preço.'
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Say: 'Ele é menor de idade.'
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Say: 'As caixas são menores.'
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Say: 'O risco é menor agora.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Quero um tamanho menor.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Sem a menor dúvida.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'O menor detalhe importa.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Em menor escala.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Cinco é menor que dez.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'A minha irmã menor.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Proibido para menores.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'O menor dos males.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'A menor distância.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Houve menor participação.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Não tem a menor graça.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'O menor infrator.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Pelo menor sinal.'
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'A fatia menor.'
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Tu as dit :
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Listen and identify the word: 'O carro é menor.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Eles são menores.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor de idade.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor importância.'
Listen and identify the word: 'A menor ideia.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor escala.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor preço.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor distância.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor esforço.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor dúvida.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menores infratores.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor valor.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor sinal.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor impacto.'
Listen and identify the word: 'Menor fatia.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Menor is an essential irregular comparative meaning 'smaller' or 'younger'. Remember it never takes 'mais' (don't say 'mais menor') and stays the same for both genders. Example: 'A minha irmã menor mora em uma casa menor que a minha.'
- Menor means 'smaller' or 'younger' and is the irregular comparative of 'pequeno'.
- It is used for both masculine and feminine nouns without changing its form.
- In legal contexts, it refers to a 'minor' or someone under the age of 18.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'menor de idade' and 'não ter a menor ideia'.
Avoid Redundancy
Never use 'mais' with 'menor'. It's like saying 'more smaller' in English. It sounds very uneducated to native speakers.
Sibling Distinction
While 'irmão mais novo' is also common, 'irmão menor' is very standard for younger brother.
Regional Nuance
If you are in Portugal, don't be surprised to hear 'mais pequeno'. In Brazil, stick to 'menor'.
Expressing Doubt
Use 'Não tenho a menor ideia' to sound more fluent than just saying 'Não sei'.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
a cerca de
B1Cela signifie 'à environ' ou 'à peu près' en parlant de distance ou de temps futur.
à direita
A2À droite. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
à esquerda
A2À gauche. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
a fim de
A2Afin de; avoir envie de. 'Il étudie afin de réussir.' / 'J'ai envie d'une glace.'
à frente
A2En face de; devant. 'Il est assis à frente de moi.'
a frente
A2À l'avant; devant.
À frente de
A2Devant ou à la tête de. 'La voiture est à frente de la maison' (La voiture est devant la maison).
a tempo
A2À temps, ponctuellement. Utilisé pour indiquer qu'une action se produit avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.
à volta de
A2Autour de. Utilisé pour l'espace (autour de la table) ou les estimations (environ dix euros).
abaixo
A1En dessous de; plus bas que.
