This is the 7739th most frequent Polish word.
mali
"Small" or "little" (plural form).
Here, 'mali' is used as an adjective in plural nominative form, describing 'chłopcy' (boys).
Mali chłopcy bawią się na podwórku.
Small boys are playing in the yard.
In this sentence, 'mali' is used as an adjective describing 'ludzie' (people), suggesting minor stature or perhaps metaphorically small individuals.
Mali ludzie także zasługują na szacunek.
Small people also deserve respect.
'Mali' here serves in a locative prepositional context, modifying 'przyjaciółmi' (friends), indicating the quality of size in their description.