Translation guide
The English word "minor" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: describing something small or not serious, referring to a person under legal age, and academic contexts like a minor subject. It also touches on music and niche uses.
Describing something of little importance, small in scale, or not serious.
Used for minor damage, changes, or problems. Often in formal or written contexts.
The car got a minor scratch.
A general, everyday word for 'small' or 'minor'. Works for mistakes, problems, changes, etc.
I made a minor mistake.
Means 'a slight' or 'a little'. Casual and common in speech. Often used for accidents, troubles, or gifts.
There was a minor accident.
A phrase meaning 'not a big deal' or 'minor'. Used to downplay something.
The injury is minor.
Means 'trivial' or 'minor'. Often used for details or matters. Slightly formal.
We argued over a minor thing.
Referring to a person who is not yet an adult by law.
A secondary field of study in college or university.
Referring to a musical key or scale that sounds sad or serious.
Describing something of lower rank, status, or significance.
While 小さい (chiisai) means 'small', it is not always the best translation for 'minor'. For importance or seriousness, use 軽微な or 小さな. For legal age, use 未成年. Using 小さい for a person's age can be confusing.
He is small. (physical size, not age)
He is still a minor.
A minor's contract requires parental consent.
マイナーは何？
What's your minor?
マイナーな曲が好きだ。
I like songs in a minor key.