Meno or di meno?

When do I use the Italian word meno? And should I add the word “di” before it or not?
Let’s start by listing the possible meanings of the word meno.

The meanings of meno

1. You use meno to make comparisons to indicate that an amount or a number is less than another amount or number.

Ex: Questo libro costa meno di quello

This book costs less than that one

The second term of comparison can be implied.

Ex: Ieri c’era meno gente al bar

Yesterday there were fewer people at the bar

2. You use meno to form the relative superlative of minority. In this case it’s preceded by a definite article.

Ex: E’ il meno preparato della classe oggi

He’s the least prepared of the class

3. In maths you use meno to indicate a subtraction.

Ex: 12 meno 5 fa 7

12 minus 5 equals 7

The same applies for hours.

Ex: Sono le 10 meno 20

It’s twenty to 11

4. You can use meno to say no in some sentences.

Ex: Fammi sapere se vieni o meno

Let me know if you come or not

Ex: Dimmi se sei d’accordo o meno

Tell me if you agree or not

5. You can use meno to say except

Ex: Alla festa verranno tutti meno Giacomo

Everyone will come to the party except Giacomo

6. Meno can be used also in many expressions such as:

a. Né più né meno = just that

Ex: Devi dirmi cosa pensi veramente, né più né meno

You must tell me what you really think, just that

b. Meno male = I’m relieved, thanks God;

Ex: + C’è stato un incidente ma nessuno è rimasto ferito

There has been an accident but no one was hurt

Meno male!

I’m relieved/Thanks God!

c. Essere da meno -> to be the same

Ex: Lui è un mascalzone ma tu non sei da meno!

He’s a scoundrel and you’re the same

d. Più o meno = more or less

Ex: Gli ingredienti sono più o meno gli stessi della ricetta tradizionale

The ingredients are more or less the same as the ones in the traditional recipe

Should I use the word di before meno?

Whether you use the word di before meno or not the Italian expressions usually keep the same meaning.

Ex: Parla di meno e ragiona di più -> Parla meno e ragiona di più

Speak less and think more

Ex: Questa torta non mi piace molto, dammene di meno -> Questa torta non mi piace molto, dammene meno

I don’t like this cake much, give me a smaller portion of it.

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Original image by danymena88