TOPIK · Level 84
15 words
Korean word
최소한
Pronunciation
Romanizationchoesohan
Meaning
- adverbat least
Example
그는 최소한 일주일에 한 번은 전화해.keu neun choe so han il ju i re han peo neun cheon hwa hae
He calls at least once a week.
More examples
회의가 어렵더라도 최소한 의견은 말해 줘.hoe ui ga eo ryeop tteo ra do choe so han ui gyeo neun mal hae chwo
Even if the meeting is difficult, at least tell me your opinion.
Core concept
The smallest amount or condition needed for something to count or be acceptable.
Common phrases
최소한 한 번이라도choe so han han peo ni ra do
at least once
Similar words
적어도cheogeodo: Sets a numerical minimum, allowing the actual amount or frequency to be higher.
Definition in Korean
어떤 일이나 상태가 성립하기 위해 요구되거나 기대되는 가장 낮은 수준이나 조건을 나타내는 부사로, 일반적으로 기준의 하한을 말할 때 쓰인다.eo tteon i ri na sang tae ga seong ni pa gi wi hae yo gu doe geo na ki dae doe neun ka jang na jeun su ju ni na cho geo neul na ta nae neun pu sa ro il ban jeo geu ro ki ju nui ha ha neul mal hal ttae sseu in da
Word origin
Its Sino-Korean formation joins the ideas of being smallest and setting a limit, making the word a natural marker of a minimum.
Usage tips
- Because it states a firm lower boundary, it may sound stronger than a vague suggestion when used with requests or expectations.
Other meanings
- if nothing elseadverb
Opposites
- 기껏kikkeotat bestadverb
- 많아야manayaat mostadverb
Related words
- 최소choesominimumnoun