少(すく)なくとも

すくなくとも
adverb
at least
descriptive
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.

Forms

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

Similar words

Usage

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

Compare: 精々(せいぜい) (at most (upper limit))
Compare: せめて (at least)
Compare: 多(おお)くとも (at most)
general
Added 2026.1.12 15:38 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
03000/03364_sukunakutomo