Korean word

최소

Pronunciation

Romanizationchoeso

Meaning

  • adverbat least

Example

최소 한 시간 반은 필요해요.choe so han si gan pa neun pi ryo hae yo

You need at least an hour and a half.

Illustration for 최소 (at least)

More examples

준비하려면 최소 한 시간이 걸려요.chun bi ha ryeo myeon choe so han si ga ni keol lyeo yo

It takes at least an hour to prepare.

Core concept

A firm lower limit that must be met, with anything less falling short.

Common phrases

  • 최소 한 시간choe so han si gan

    at least one hour

  • 최소 세 명choe so se myeong

    at least three people

Similar words

적어도cheogeodo: Places a lower limit on a quantity or number in ordinary spoken language.
최소한choesohan: Identifies the lowest level or range at which an action or state meets its requirement.

Definition in Korean

어떤 기준이나 요구에서 만족해야 하는 최소한의 양이나 수준을 가리키는 부사로, 그보다 적으면 안 되는 의미를 담는다.eo tteon ki ju ni na yo gu e seo man jo kae ya ha neun choe so ha nui yang i na su ju neul ka ri ki neun pu sa ro keu bo da cheo geu myeon an toe neun ui mi reul tam neun da

Word origin

The Sino-Korean word combines elements meaning "most" and "little" to form the idea of the smallest acceptable amount.

Usage tips

  • In schedules, prices, and requirements, this word marks a condition rather than a rough estimate, so it signals what cannot be reduced further.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word