1.
minimum, bare minimum, at the very least
The lowest acceptable amount, degree, or standard. Used both as a noun and as an adverb (with の or に) to indicate the absolute minimum requirement.
Usage
最低限 can function as a noun or an adverbial modifier:
- As a noun: 最低限の + noun (the bare minimum of ~)
- Adverbially: 最低限 + amount/action (at the very least ~)
Common collocations
- 最低限の生活: bare minimum standard of living
- 最低限の知識: minimum required knowledge
- 最低限に抑える: to keep to a minimum
- 最低限必要な: minimally necessary
Similar words
最低限 (minimum) is the opposite of 最大限 (maximum). 最小限 is a near-synonym but tends to emphasize smallness in quantity, while 最低限 emphasizes the lowest acceptable threshold.