1.
minimum, bare minimum, least extent
The smallest possible degree or amount. Used as a noun to refer to the lower limit, or adverbially (often with に or の) to mean 'to the minimum extent.'
被害を最小限に抑える。
To keep the damage to a minimum.
最小限の荷物で旅行したい。
I want to travel with the minimum amount of luggage.
コストを最小限に抑えつつ、品質を維持するのが課題だ。
The challenge is to maintain quality while keeping costs to a minimum.
USAGE:
最小限 can function as a noun or as an adverb when followed by に.
- Noun: 最小限の + noun (the minimum ~)
- Adverb: 最小限に + verb (to the minimum extent)
The phrase 最小限に抑える (to keep to a minimum) is especially common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 最小限に抑える: to keep to a minimum
- 最小限の努力: minimal effort
- 最小限に留める: to limit to a minimum
- 最小限の負担: minimal burden
Related Words
Antonym:
最大限