mínimo
/ˈminimo/masculine
The English phrase 'minimum' translates to Spanish as mínimo. If unsure, use mínimo. Wiktionary also lists mínimum.
Meaning: lowest limit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mínimo | /ˈminimo/ | masculine |
| mínimum | /ˈminimum/ | masculine, rare |
As a noun, mínimo refers to the lowest limit. It can also function as an adjective meaning the lowest degree. A common idiomatic expression is bajo mínimos, which is used to describe something operating at the lowest possible level or with very limited resources.
Which one should you use?
The form mínimum is a rare version of the word.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While mínimo is the masculine form, it changes to the feminine form mínima when it is modifying a feminine noun, such as in the phrase la cantidad mínima (the minimum amount).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈminimo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the expression bajo mínimos is frequently used to describe a person who is mentally or physically exhausted, not just a technical limit.
- The term mínima is used in Spanish music theory to describe a 'minim' or 'half note', which is half the duration of a whole note.
- The word mínimum is a linguistic relic, acting as a direct borrowing from Latin rather than an evolution of the Spanish word mínimo.
Examples in context
- El daño se mantuvo al mínimo.The damage was held to a minimum.This sentence is useful for describing damage being held to a mínimo.Tatoeba #1683319 by marcelostockle, translation #317877 by CM
- Los embalses están bajo mínimos.The reservoir levels are below the minimum.This sentence shows the use of mínimo in the idiom bajo mínimos.Tatoeba #8231756 by arh, translation #10612121 by sangelo
- ¿Cuál es el salario mínimo en tu país?What's the minimum wage in your country?This sentence uses mínimo to ask about the minimum wage.Tatoeba #1534705 by hayastan, translation #1534782 by CK
- Es necesario tener un pago mínimo de $100 para poder abrir una cuenta.It is necessary to have a minimum payment of $100 to open an account.
- Para aprobar el examen, debes obtener una puntuación que supere el límite mínimo establecido.To pass the exam, you must achieve a score that exceeds the minimum limit established.
- Si quieres salir temprano del trabajo, termina lo mínimo necesario hoy.If you want to leave work early, finish the minimum necessary today.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing the requirements for a project at work.
- DanielSofía, ¿sabes cuál es el mínimo de la inversión?Sofía, do you know what the minimum investment is?
- SofíaCreo que el mínimo es de mil euros.I think the minimum is one thousand euros.
- DanielEse es un mínimo muy alto para nosotros.That is a very high minimum for us.
- SofíaLo sé, Daniel, pero es la norma.I know, Daniel, but it is the rule.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minimum” translations and entries mínimo, mínimum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mínimo, mínimum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
