mínimo
/ˈminimo/
The Spanish word for "minimal" is mínimo.
mínimo is an adjective used to describe the smallest possible amount, quantity or degree. You can also use the phrase lo mínimo to refer to the absolute minimum required or, idiomatically, to the bare minimum of effort or politeness expected in a situation.
Meaning: the smallest possible amount, quantity, or degree (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase el mínimo indispensable is used to refer to the bare minimum required.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, mínimo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use mínima for feminine nouns, mínimos for masculine plural nouns and mínimas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈminimo/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'minimal' as a neutral adjective, using lo mínimo can be a sharp social critique implying someone is barely meeting the standards of human decency.
- In casual conversation, mínimo often functions as an adverb meaning 'at least', as in Cuesta mínimo diez euros, ignoring its primary grammatical role as an adjective.
- In Spanish, the term el mínimo is frequently used as a shorthand for the legal minimum wage, whereas English speakers usually specify 'minimum wage' as a compound term.
Examples in context
- El peligro es mínimo.The danger is minimal.This sentence shows how to use mínimo to describe a low level of danger.Tatoeba #4348291 by mervert1, translation #3226490 by CK
- Es necesario hacer un esfuerzo mínimo para lograr el éxito.It is necessary to make a minimal effort to achieve success.
- Solo aceptamos donaciones de lo mínimo necesario para cubrir los gastos.We only accept donations of the minimum necessary to cover expenses.
- Tenemos una cantidad escasa de tiempo para finalizar el proyecto.We have a minimal amount of time to finish the project.
- Tengo pocas ganas de ir al gimnasio hoy.I have minimal desire to go to the gym today.
- El esfuerzo necesario es mínimo.The required effort is minimal.
- Hubo un cambio mínimo en el plan.There was a minimal change in the plan.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a project budget.
- LucíaEl presupuesto para este proyecto es mínimo.The budget for this project is minimal.
- MateoEntonces tenemos que ser muy cuidadosos.Then we have to be very careful.
- LucíaExacto, el gasto debe ser el mínimo posible.Exactly, the spending must be the minimum possible.
- MateoDe acuerdo, Lucía, yo revisaré los costos.Alright, Lucía, I will check the costs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minimal” translations and entries mínimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
