leve
/ˈlebe/
The English word 'slight' can be translated into Spanish as leve. Wiktionary also lists insignificante and ligero.
Meaning: small in amount, insignificant (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| leve | /ˈlebe/ |
| insignificante | /insiɡnifiˈkante/ |
| ligero | /liˈxeɾo/ |
| lieve | /ˈljebe/ |
The adjectives used for 'slight' describe something that is small in amount or degree. You might use insignificante when you want to emphasize that an amount or level of importance is so small that it is practically negligible or worthless.
Which one should you use?
While leve and ligero can both be translated as 'slight', ligero is more commonly used to describe something that is physically light in weight or a movement that is quick and light.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective leve must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming leves for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlebe/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that lieve is a misspelling and does not exist in Spanish. The correct spelling is leve.
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as being 'ligero de manos', it is a common idiom that actually means they are a pickpocket.
- The word ligero has its roots in the Vulgar Latin term '*leviārius', which is a distant relative of the English word 'levity'.
- The word ligero can describe a 'slight' movement, but it also means 'fast' or 'quick' in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- El pronóstico es leve.His condition is slight.This sentence is useful for describing a medical or situational condition using leve.Tatoeba #7747604 by arh, translation #10335199 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Hay una leve diferencia.There's a slight difference.This sentence is useful for describing a small difference using leve.Tatoeba #3052770 by marcelostockle, translation #3022366 by sharptoothed
- Tuvimos un leve accidente.We had a slight accident.This sentence is useful for describing a minor accident using leve.Tatoeba #2269083 by hayastan, translation #2269082 by _undertoad
- La diferencia en los resultados de ambos estudios es ligeramente perceptible.The difference in the results of both studies is slightly perceptible.
- Necesitamos hacer una modificación sutil en el diseño del producto.We need to make a subtle modification in the product's design.
- Noté una sensación ligera de malestar después de comer tanto pastel.I felt a slight sense of discomfort after eating so much cake.
- El dolor de cabeza que tengo es solo un poquito molesto.The headache I have is just a little bit annoying.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a change in a recipe.
- AlejandroSiento un leve cambio en el sabor.I feel a slight change in the flavor.
- ElenaEs una leve mejora, ¿no crees?It is a slight improvement, don't you think?
- AlejandroSí, es muy bueno.Yes, it is very good.
- ElenaMe alegra que te guste, Alejandro.I'm glad you like it, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slight” translations and entries leve, insignificante, ligero, lieve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insignificante, leve, lieve, ligero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
