minoría
/minoˈɾia/feminine
The English word 'minority' can be translated into Spanish as minoría. Wiktionary also lists minoridad.
Meaning: subgroup that does not form a numerical majority (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| minoría | /minoˈɾia/ | feminine |
| minoridad | /minoɾiˈdad/ | feminine |
The noun minoría refers to a subgroup that does not form a numerical majority. If you want to use 'minority' as an adjective (for example, to say 'minority group'), you should use the related form minoritario.
Which one should you use?
Use minoría to refer to a group of people or a numerical subgroup. In contrast, minoridad refers to the state of being a minor (underage).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries like Mexico and Peru, población indígena is used instead of "minority".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of minoría is minorías. When using the adjective minoritario, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, such as minoritarios for masculine/mixed plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/minoˈɾia/
Did you know?
- Although minoría is the direct translation for 'minority', referring to indigenous groups as minorías in some Latin American countries can be seen as inaccurate because they were the original majority.
- The word minoritario is frequently used in Spanish finance to describe 'minority shareholders' who do not have controlling interest in a company.
- If you are discussing the legal status of a child rather than a numerical group, you should reach for minoría de edad instead of minoría.
Examples in context
- Debemos respaldar los derechos de las minorías.We have to stand up for minority rights.This sentence is useful for discussing the support of rights for the form minoría.Tatoeba #1309415 by marcelostockle, translation #22903 by CK
- También debes respetar las opiniones de la minoría.You must also respect the opinions of the minority.This sentence is useful for discussing the importance of respecting opinions of the form minoría.Tatoeba #1309422 by marcelostockle, translation #267914 by CM
- El presidente debería tener en cuenta la opinión de la minoría.The chairman should take the minority opinion into account.This sentence is useful for discussing taking an opinion of the form minoría into account.Tatoeba #1637276 by teskmon, translation #20000 by shekitten
- La minoría étnica lucha por la igualdad de derechos.The ethnic minority is fighting for equal rights.
- Los derechos de los grupos minoritarios deben ser respetados.The rights of minority groups should be respected.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a political news report.
- Alejandro¿Viste que la minoría ganó la votación?Did you see that the minority won the vote?
- LucíaSí, fue una sorpresa para todos.Yes, it was a surprise for everyone.
- AlejandroLucía, la minoría es muy organizada ahora.Lucía, the minority is very organized now.
- LucíaEs cierto, Alejandro, tienen mucha fuerza.It's true, Alejandro, they have a lot of strength.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minority” translations and entries minoría, minoridad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
