moins
/mwɛ̃/
The English word "less" is translated into French as moins.
moins is an adverb used to describe something happening to a smaller extent or degree. It can also function as a determiner meaning "not as much". It is the direct antonym of plus (more) in both comparative and adverbial contexts.
Meaning: to a smaller extent or degree (adv)
Which one should you use?
Adding the definite article le to moins creates the superlative form le moins meaning "the least".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used with a noun to mean 'less of' or 'fewer of', 'moins' must be followed by 'de'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mwɛ̃/
Did you know?
- When telling time, moins is used to count backward from the hour, like dix heures moins le quart for 'quarter to ten'.
- The phrase le moins du monde is a common idiom meaning 'not in the slightest' or 'not at all'.
- In colloquial French, if someone says pas moins de, they are actually emphasizing that a number is surprisingly large or impressive.
Examples in context
- Mange moins de bœuf.Eat less beef.This sentence shows how to use moins with a noun.Tatoeba #14027133 by Rovo, translation #14026108 by rul
- Il y en a un de moins.There is one less.This sentence demonstrates the use of moins to indicate a smaller quantity.Tatoeba #4901098 by sacredceltic, translation #1635525 by Amastan
- Tu devrais moins fumer.You should smoke less.This sentence shows how to use moins as an adverb to modify a verb.Tatoeba #1089218 by sacredceltic, translation #40673 by CK
- J'ai moins de tempsI have less time
- Il mange moins de viandeHe eats less meat
- Elle veut dépenser moins d'argentShe wants to spend less money
- Une charge de travail réduiteA reduced workload
- Moins d'argentLess money
- Moins de devoirsLess homework
- Moins de stressLess stress
- Pas autant de tempsNot as much time
- Pas autant de personnesNot as many people
- Pas aussi grand queNot as tall as
- 331 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their workload at a cafe.
- HugoJe travaille moins cette semaine.I am working less this week.
- LéaC'est une bonne nouvelle pour toi, Hugo.That is good news for you, Hugo.
- HugoOui, j'ai moins de stress maintenant.Yes, I have less stress now.
- LéaTu as raison de te reposer.You are right to rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “less” translations and entries moins, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
