Japanese word

せめて

Pronunciation

Romajisemete

Meaning

  • adverbat least

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)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • せめて一言se me te hito koto

    at least a word

  • せめて一度se me te ichi do

    at least once

  • せめてこれだけse me te ko re da ke

    at least this much

Similar words

少なくともsukunakutomo: To state the smallest amount, degree, or number that applies in a situation.

Definition in Japanese

十分な結果は望めないとしても、最低限のことだけはかなえてほしいと求める気持ちを表す語。jū bun na kek ka wa nozo me na i to shi te mo sai tei gen no ko to da ke wa ka na e te ho shi i to moto me ru ki mo chi o arawa su go

Word origin

せめて (semete) is a native Japanese adverb traditionally connected with せむ (semu, "to press or urge") and the ending て (te), later expressing a minimum or concession.

Usage tips

  • 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 meanings

  • even justadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word