Japanese word

最小

Pronunciation

Romajisaishō

Meaning

  • nounminimum

Example

これは最小のサイズです。ko re wa sai shō no sa i zu de su

This is the minimum size.

Illustration for 最小 (minimum)

More examples

必要な費用を最小に抑えることが大切です。hitsu yō na hi yō o sai shō ni osa e ru ko to ga tai setsu de su

It is important to keep the necessary costs to a minimum.

Core concept

Expresses the lowest point or limit within a range, focusing on what cannot be reduced further.

Common phrases

  • 最小の値sai shō no atai

    minimum value

  • 最小の人数sai shō no nin zū

    minimum number of people

  • 最小の費用sai shō no hi yō

    minimum cost

Similar words

最小限saishōgen: The smallest amount or extent allowed or needed in a situation.
下限kagen: The lowest value or level allowed within a range.
最低限saiteigen: The least amount or level needed for a basic requirement.

Definition in Japanese

数量や程度などが、基準となる範囲の中で最も小さいこと。sū ryō ya tei do na do ga ki jun to na ru han i no naka de motto mo chii sa i ko to

Word origin

The noun 最小 (saishō, "minimum") combines 最 (sai, "most") and 小 (shō, "small") to express the smallest limit.

Usage tips

  • In practical phrases, 最小サイズ (saishō saizu, "minimum size") marks the smallest available or permitted option, not simply an option that happens to be small.

Opposites

Related words

  • 最小化saishōkaminimizationnoun

Word lists with this word