せめて
せめて
adverb
at least; at the very least
1.
at least, at the very least
Expresses a minimum wish or expectation when the ideal outcome is not possible. Conveys the speaker's desire for at least a small consolation.
せめて名前だけでも教えてください。
Please at least tell me your name.
全部は無理でも、せめて半分は終わらせたい。
Even if I can't do it all, I want to at least finish half.
会えないなら、せめて電話で声だけでも聞かせてほしい。
If we can't meet, I'd at least like to hear your voice on the phone.
せめて expresses the speaker's wish for at least a minimum outcome when the ideal is impossible. It carries a tone of resignation mixed with hope.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- せめて〜だけでも: at least just ...
- せめて〜くらい（は）: at least about ...
- せめて〜たい: I at least want to ...
- せめてもの: the least one can do (as a small consolation)
USAGE:
Always implies that the speaker has given up on the full wish and is settling for less. The sentence typically contains a concession or contrast. Often paired with だけでも or くらい to emphasize the modesty of the request.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 少なくとも: at least (stating a factual minimum)
- せめて: at least (expressing a wish or hope)
少なくとも is objective; せめて is emotional and subjective.