GENERAL INFO

Moins means "less," "fewer," or "minus." It primarily functions as an adverb (e.g., *moins grand* - less tall) or a preposition (e.g., *cinq moins deux* - five minus two).

USAGE

It's common in comparisons (e.g., *moins que* - less than), superlatives (*le moins cher* - the least expensive), and time expressions (e.g., *midi moins le quart* - quarter to twelve).

TRAPS

Don't confuse moins (less/fewer, comparative) with *peu* (little/a small amount of, often followed by "de"). Example: *J'ai moins de temps* (I have less time) vs. *J'ai peu de temps* (I have little time).