This is the 7387th most frequent Portuguese word.
menos
"Menos" means "less" or "minus" in English.
In this context, 'menos' functions as a comparative word, indicating a decrease in quantity.
Eu tenho menos amigos que antes.
I have fewer friends than before.
Here, 'menos' is used to subtract time, indicating a duration shorter by the specified amount.
Ela chegou cinco minutos a menos.
She arrived five minutes less.
In this case, 'ao menos' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'at least,' providing a concessive statement.