Japanese word

最低限

Pronunciation

Romajisaiteigen

Meaning

  • nounminimum

Example

これが最低限です。ko re ga sai tei gen de su

This is the minimum.

Illustration for 最低限 (minimum)

More examples

この仕事には、最低限の英語力が必要です。ko no shi goto ni wa sai tei gen no ei go ryoku ga hitsu yō de su

This job requires a minimum level of English ability.

Core concept

Marks the lowest amount or level that still meets a particular need or purpose.

Common phrases

  • 最低限の基準sai tei gen no ki jun

    minimum standards

  • 最低限の設備sai tei gen no setsu bi

    minimum facilities

  • 最低限必要な知識sai tei gen hitsu yō na chi shiki

    minimum necessary knowledge

Similar words

最小限saishōgen: The smallest amount or degree needed for a particular purpose.
最低ラインsaiteirain: The lowest acceptable standard or level in a given situation.
最低基準saiteikijun: The lowest level of quality or performance that is considered acceptable.

Definition in Japanese

ある目的を達するために必要なものの最も少ない程度。a ru moku teki o tas su ru ta me ni hitsu yō na mo no no motto mo suku na i tei do

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 最低限 (saiteigen) contains 最 (sai, "most"), 低 (tei, "low"), and 限 (gen, "limit"), expressing the lowest required extent.

Usage tips

  • In English, bare minimum often suggests reluctant or limited effort, while minimum can state the same threshold more neutrally.

Other meanings

  • bare minimumnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word