Gaining fluency in Spanish requires a strong grasp of its vocabulary, including essential words like “minor.” Whether you’re looking to express the concept in a formal or informal manner, this guide will provide you with all the necessary knowledge. Additionally, we’ll explore any relevant regional variations. Let’s delve into the various ways to say “minor” in Spanish!
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Formal Ways to Say “Minor”
When communicating formally, it’s important to use appropriate language and show respect. Here are a few formal expressions for the word “minor” in Spanish:
1. Menor de edad
The most common way to refer to a minor in Spanish is to use the phrase “menor de edad.” This expression is widely understood in Spanish-speaking countries and directly translates to “underage” or “under the legal age.” For example:
Mi hermana es menor de edad y necesita el permiso de nuestros padres para viajar. (My sister is a minor and needs our parents’ permission to travel.)
2. Joven
In certain contexts, the term “joven” can be used to imply a young person who is not yet of legal age. While “joven” typically translates to “young” or “youth,” its usage in this context hints at the idea of being a minor. Here’s an example:
Los jóvenes menores de edad deben estar acompañados por un adulto en el evento. (Minors should be accompanied by an adult at the event.)
3. De corta edad
A more formal and less commonly used expression is “de corta edad,” which means “of young age” or ” young.” It implies a person is still in their youth and not yet reached legal adulthood. For instance:
El tribunal especializa en casos de aquellos de corta edad involucrados en delitos. (The court specializes in cases of young individuals involved in crimes.)
Informal Ways to Say “Minor”
Spanish speakers, particularly in casual conversations, often use more relaxed expressions to refer to minors. Here are a few examples:
1. Chiquillo(a)
“Chiquillo” or “chiquilla” are commonly used terms among friends or family members to refer to a young boy or girl. While it may not directly mean “minor,” its informal nature implies the young age of the person. For example:
Ahí viene Ana con sus chiquillos. (Here comes Ana with her kids.)
2. Niño(a)
The word “niño” or “niña” is widely used to refer to children in general, and in informal speech, it can also imply a minor. It is particularly common when talking about a child under the age of twelve. Here’s an example:
¡Ten cuidado! Hay niños jugando en la calle. (Be careful! There are kids playing in the street.)
Regional Variations
Although the above expressions are commonly understood across Spanish-speaking countries, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist. Here are a few examples:
1. Pibe(a) (Argentina, Uruguay)
In Argentina and Uruguay, the word “pibe” or “piba” is widely used to refer to a young person. While it is not specifically related to being a minor, its informal usage suggests the person is younger in age. For example:
Mis primos son unos pibes muy simpáticos. (My cousins are very friendly kids.)
2. Chaval(a) (Spain)
In Spain, the term “chaval” or “chavala” is commonly used to refer to a young person, usually a teenager. While not exclusively a term for minors, it conveys the idea of youthfulness. Here’s an example:
Los chavales están jugando al fútbol en el parque. (The kids are playing soccer in the park.)
Remember, understanding regional variations can enhance your Spanish skills, especially when conversing with native speakers from specific regions.
Summing Up
Now, armed with both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “minor” in Spanish, you can navigate conversations with ease. Remember, “menor de edad” will serve you well in most situations, but don’t hesitate to use more relaxed expressions like “chiquillo” or “niño” in informal settings.
Keep practicing and exposing yourself to different Spanish-speaking regions to uncover further regional variations. Before you know it, you’ll be confidently speaking about minors in various contexts!
