English–Japanese

“at least” in Japanese

Japanese

Also少なくとも (sukunakutomo)

Pronunciation

Romajisemete

Example

せめて一度は行ってみたいです。se me te ichi do wa i tte mi ta i de su

I want to go at least once.

Illustration for せめて (at least)

How to say “at least” in Japanese

“At least” in Japanese is せめて (semete).

Sets a lower limit while showing that even this small result would be meaningful.

Full entry for せめて: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with せめて

全部は無理でも、せめて名前だけは覚えてください。zen bu wa mu ri de mo se me te na mae da ke wa obo e te ku da sa i

Even if you cannot remember everything, please remember at least the name.

Tips for using せめて

  • A sentence with せめて (semete) often carries a modest emotional tone because the speaker presents a small hope as the least acceptable outcome.

Other Japanese words for “at least”

少なくとも三人来ます。suku na ku to mo san nin ki ma su

At least three people will come.

“at least” in other languages