1.
lowest, minimum
The smallest amount, degree, or level.
最低でも千円はかかる。
It costs at least a thousand yen.
最低でも三時間はかかる。
It takes at least three hours.
最低賃金が上がった。
The minimum wage went up.
最低限の準備をした。
I made the minimum preparations.
最低でも一週間は休みたい。
I want to rest for at least a week.
この仕事は最低でも三人以上いないと終わらないと思う。
I think this job won't get done without at least three or more people.
2.
worst, terrible
Used informally to express strong disapproval.
あの人は最低だ。
That person is the worst.
今日の天気は最低だった。
Today's weather was the worst.
Colloquial usage
約束を破るなんて最低だ。
Breaking a promise is the worst.
最低な一日だったけど、明日は良い日になるといいな。
It was a terrible day, but I hope tomorrow will be better.
友達の悪口を言うなんて最低だと思う。
I think it's terrible to badmouth a friend.
最低 can function as a noun, na-adjective, or adverb meaning "lowest" or "minimum."
MEANINGS:
1. Lowest point/degree: 最低気温 (lowest temperature)
2. Minimum required: 最低限度 (minimum limit)
3. Terrible/awful (colloquial): あいつは最低だ (He's the worst)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 最低でも: at the very least
- 最低限: bare minimum
- 最低賃金: minimum wage
CONTRAST:
Opposite of 最高 (highest, best, maximum).
USAGE:
As a na-adjective modifying nouns: 最低な人 (a terrible person). The colloquial "worst/terrible" usage is common among younger speakers.