少(すく)なくとも

すくなくとも

adverb

at least

1. at least, at the very least

Indicating the minimum amount, number, or extent.

少(すく)なくとも三十分(さんじゅっぷん)はかかる。

It will take at least 30 minutes.

少(すく)なくとも一週間(いっしゅうかん)は必要(ひつよう)だ。

At least one week is necessary.

少(すく)なくとも私(わたし)はそう思(おも)う。

At least, that's what I think.

少(すく)なくとも expresses a minimum threshold.

FORMATION:
少(すく)ない (few, little) + く (adverb form) + とも (at least)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

少(すく)なくとも: at least (neutral, formal)
せめて: at least (implies desire for more)
最低(さいてい)でも: at minimum

USAGE NOTE:
少(すく)なくとも is often used for quantities, time, or to express a minimum opinion. It's more objective than せめて, which has an emotional nuance of wishing for more.

Related Words

Contrast: 精々(せいぜい) (at most (upper limit))

general

Added 2026.1.12 15:38 · Revised 2026.5.25 23:24

03000/03364_sukunakutomo