The word "mínimo" functions as both an adjective and a noun in Spanish.
/mínimo/
The word "mínimo" refers to the least amount or the smallest degree of something. It is often used in both technical contexts, such as mathematics and economics, and in everyday language to indicate a threshold or boundary.
In terms of frequency of use, "mínimo" is commonly found in both oral and written contexts, particularly in formal documents, academic texts, and conversations about standards or limits.
El salario mínimo en este país ha aumentado este año.
The minimum wage in this country has increased this year.
Necesitamos un mínimo de tres horas para terminar el proyecto.
We need a minimum of three hours to complete the project.
La temperatura mínima registrada fue de -5 grados.
The minimum temperature recorded was -5 degrees.
While "mínimo" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions per se, there are a few contexts where it can illustrate important concepts:
A lo mínimo
Hiérvelo a lo mínimo para que no se evapore el agua.
Boil it to the minimum so that the water doesn’t evaporate.
Como mínimo
Como mínimo, deberías dedicar una hora al estudio cada día.
At the very least, you should dedicate one hour to studying every day.
Mínimo esfuerzo
Ella logró terminar la tarea con mínimo esfuerzo.
She managed to finish the task with minimal effort.
The word "mínimo" comes from the Latin "minimus," which is the superlative form of "parvus," meaning small. This root highlights its connotation of smallness or least in measurement.
Synonyms: - Mínima (feminine form) - Bajo - Pequeño
Antonyms: - Máximo - Mayor - Grande
In summary, "mínimo" is a versatile word widely used in various contexts to convey the idea of the smallest or least quantity, making it relevant in discussions across disciplines including economics, mathematics, and everyday conversations.