mini
/mini/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the word for mini is mini.
The word mini is used as a prefix or an adjective to describe something that is a smaller version of a standard size.
Which one should you use?
While mini is used for brand names or specific fashion terms, the standard Spanish word for a miniature version of an object is miniatura.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a prefix to form a single noun, such as 'mini skirt', it is written as one word: minifalda. When used as a noun, the plural form is minis.
How do you pronounce it?
/mini/
Did you know?
- The word minifalda became a cultural flashpoint in Spain during the 1960s as a symbol of liberation and rebellion against traditional dress codes.
- While mini is common, Spanish speakers often use the diminutive suffix -ito or -ita to express that something is small, which carries a nuance of affection that mini lacks.
- In certain Latin American contexts, calling something mini can be used playfully or even sarcastically to describe something that is underwhelmingly small.
Examples in context
- Ella quiere un iPad mini.She wants an iPad mini.This sentence shows how to use mini with a brand name.Tatoeba #2778307 by Leono, translation #2132677 by Jesse
- Las minifaldas vuelven a estar de moda.Mini-skirts are back in fashion again.This sentence demonstrates the use of the noun minifalda.Tatoeba #1344432 by Shishir, translation #32239 by Dejo
- Una no lleva una minifalda roja a un funeral.One does not wear a red mini skirt to a funeral.This sentence provides an example of the noun minifalda in a specific context.Tatoeba #697494 by Shishir, translation #696945 by darinmex
- El carro tiene un motor pequeño.The car has a small engine.
- La casa tiene una piscina pequeña.The house has a small swimming pool.
- Vamos a tomar un café en ese bar chiquito.Let's have a coffee at that small café.
- Compré una libreta con hojas minúsculas.I bought a notebook with tiny pages.
- Esa flor es minúscula, pero muy hermosa.That flower is tiny, but very beautiful.
- Ese apartamento es diminuto, pero muy acogedor.That apartment is tiny but very cozy.
- Fui a una tienda diminuta en el centro de la ciudad.I went to a small shop in the city center.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a car in a dealership.
- MaríaMira este coche, es un modelo mini.Look at this car, it is a mini model.
- DanielEs muy pequeño, pero es muy bonito.It is very small, but it is very pretty.
- MaríaSí, sería perfecto para estacionar en la ciudad.Yes, it would be perfect for parking in the city.
- DanielTienes razón, María. Vamos a probarlo.You are right, María. Let's test drive it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
