せめて

せめて
adverb
at least; at the very least
degree-extent
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(なまえ)だけでも教(おし)えてください。
Please at least tell me your name.
全部(ぜんぶ)は無理(むり)でも、せめて半分(はんぶん)は終(お)わらせたい。
Even if I can't do it all, I want to at least finish half.
会(あ)えないなら、せめて電話(でんわ)で声(こえ)だけでも聞(き)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(すく)なくとも is objective; せめて is emotional and subjective.

Related Words

Compare: 少(すく)なくとも (at least (objective))
Compare: 精々(せいぜい) (at most, at best)
Compare: まだしも (would still be acceptable)
general
Added 2026.2.7 15:48 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
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