少なくとも

• Reading: すくなくとも
• Romaji: sukunakutomo
• Kanji breakdown: 少 (shou/suku) — few, little
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.kɯ.na.kɯ.to.mo/

Meaning

At least; at the minimum. Sets a lower bound on quantity, time, or degree.

An adverb formed from the i-adjective 少ない (sukunai, few) in its conjunctive form 少なく plus とも (even if). Frequently placed at the start of a sentence or before a number. More formal than せめて, which carries a stronger emotional nuance of wishing.

Examples

1. 少なくとも三十分は勉強したほうがいい。 You should study for at least thirty minutes.
2. 少なくとも週に一回は運動するようにしている。 I try to exercise at least once a week.
3. 少なくとも百人は来ると思う。 I think at least a hundred people will come.

Usage Guide

Context: argument, estimation, planning

Tone: logical

Origin & History

Grammatical compound of 少なく (the adverbial form of 少ない, few) and とも (even if/at least). This construction mirrors the English 'at the least' — even granting the smallest amount.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal