起码

• 拼音: qǐ mǎ
• 汉字拆解: 起 = 走 (walk) + 己 (self), to rise/start; 码 = 石 (stone) + 马 (horse), counter/marker

含义

At least; at minimum; basic. The lowest acceptable level or standard.

Used as an adverb to set a minimum expectation: 起码要花三天 (at least three days). Also used as an adjective for basic requirements: 起码的尊重 (basic respect). Synonymous with 至少 but slightly more colloquial.

例句

1. 学好一门外语起码需要三到五年时间。
2. 你起码应该提前通知我一声。
3. 这是做人起码的道理。

用法指南

语境: expectations, requirements, everyday

语气: emphatic

正确说法

• 起码得准备一个月吧。(You need at least a month to prepare.)
• 这是起码的礼貌。(This is basic courtesy.)

错误说法

• 起码一个。(In formal writing, 至少 is preferred over 起码)

起源与历史

起 (qǐ, to start) + 码 (mǎ, marker/counter). The starting point; the baseline.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal