マイナー
Meanings
1
minor; small; unimportant; obscure
General adjectival use for things of lesser importance, scale, or recognition. Often used as a na-adjective.
Antonyms: メジャー
That band is still minor, but they have real talent.
We get excited about obscure topics.
2
minor key; minor scale
Music-specific term for the minor tonality.
This piece modulates from minor to major.
3
minor leagues
abbreviation
Abbreviation of マイナーリーグ, referring to US minor league baseball. Used as a noun.
See also: マイナーリーグ
He gained experience in the minors before being promoted to the majors.
Usage patterns
- マイナーな〈物〉an obscure/little-known (thing)
He likes songs by an obscure band.
- マイナーな存在a minor/obscure presence (someone or something not well known)
That player is still a relatively obscure figure.