Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| insignificante | /insiɡnifiˈkante/ | |
| trivial | /tɾiˈbjal/ | |
| de pitiminí | /de pitimiˈni/ | |
| de chichinabo | /de t͡ʃit͡ʃiˈnabo/ | |
| de chicha y nabo | /de t͡ʃit͡ʃa i nabo/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
| sin importancia | /sin impoɾtanθja/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /sin impoɾtansja/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sin importancia is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective meaning 'of no importance' or 'trifling'.
Which one should you use?
The term trivial is a direct cognate of the English word and is used in more academic or formal contexts to describe something lacking depth or importance. The term insignificante is the standard, more formal way to express that something is trivial or of no consequence. For more colorful or informal language, you might use de pitiminí to describe something as extremely small or trifling or the colloquial de chicha y nabo and de chichinabo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Fútil and trivial are formal options. Insignificante and sin importancia are standard. De pitiminí is a colloquial, slightly old-fashioned way to describe something as extremely small or trifling, while de chicha y nabo is colloquial.
How do you pronounce it?
/insiɡnifiˈkante/
Did you know?
- The term chicha in the colloquialism de chichinabo might trace back to the Kuna word chichab, which means 'corn'.
- The colloquial phrase de chicha y nabo uses words that translate literally to 'of sausage and turnip'.
- In some regions, using de chicha y nabo can imply that something is not only trivial, but also poorly made or lacking quality.
Examples in context
- Es un incidente sin importancia.It's a trifling incident.This sentence shows how to use the phrase sin importancia to describe an incident.Tatoeba #1616110 by teskmon, translation #42665 by AlanF_US
- Tu comportamiento es insignificante.Your behavior is trifling.
- Su opinión es totalmente fútil.His/her opinion is completely trifling.
- No te preocupes por eso, es un asunto menudo.Don't worry about that, it's a trifling matter.
- No pierdas tiempo en cosas chiquitas.Don't waste time on trifling things.
- Ese es un detalle insignificante.That is an insignificant detail.
- No pierdas tiempo en problemas insignificantes.Don't waste time on insignificant problems.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a small error in a report.
- ElenaMateo, mira este error en el documento.Mateo, look at this error in the document.
- MateoEs un error insignificante, no te preocupes.It is an insignificant error, don't worry.
- ElenaPero quiero que todo sea perfecto.But I want everything to be perfect.
- MateoTe lo aseguro, no afectará nada.I assure you, it won't affect anything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trifling” translations and entries insignificante, trivial, de pitiminí, de chichinabo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chicha, de, de chichinabo, nabo, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
