至少
zhìshǎo
The English phrase 'at least' is expressed in Chinese as 至少 (zhìshǎo). Wiktionary also lists 頂少 / 顶少 (dǐngshǎo) and 起碼 / 起码 (qǐmǎ).
Meaning: at a lower limit (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 至少 | zhìshǎo |
| 頂少 / 顶少 | dǐngshǎo |
| 起碼 / 起码 | qǐmǎ |
These terms are used to express a lower limit. You can add emphasis to this meaning by using the construction 起码也.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 至少 is composed of 至 (zhì), which means 'to reach/attain' and 少 (shǎo), which means 'few/little'.
Which one should you use?
While 至少 and 起码 both mean 'at least', 起码 is more commonly used when describing a minimum standard or a basic requirement, such as saying 'at least you should be polite'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 起码 can be used informally. The form 顶少 is a colloquial variant used in informal speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 顶少 is primarily used in certain Southern Chinese dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, 至少 is typically placed before the verb or the quantity it modifies, similar to its position in English.
How do you pronounce it?
zhìshǎo
Did you know?
- The colloquial 顶少 uses the character 顶, which usually means 'top' or 'peak', creating a paradoxical image of the 'topmost' of the 'fewest'.
- The word 起码 originally referred to the 'starting point' or the 'bottom edge' of a physical object, like the base of a scale or a measurement tool.
- The character 少 in both 至少 and 顶少 is also the root for the word 'young' in many contexts, creating a linguistic link between 'low numbers' and 'youth'.
Examples in context
- 至少她能面對他們！She at least, she can face them!This sentence is useful for showing how to use 至少 to express a minimum capability.Tatoeba #13712899 by LeviHighway, translation #9770110 by AmarMecheri
- 我每天至少用一次煎鍋。I use a frying pan at least once a day.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 至少 with a frequency of use.Tatoeba #13556456 by LeviHighway, translation #6344296 by CK
- 我们班至少有三十个学生。There are at least thirty students in our class.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 至少 with a quantity of people.Tatoeba #3378105 by GlossaMatik, translation #3378106 by CM
- 这个项目至少需要三个月完成。This project will take at least three months to complete.
- 他至少还有一年的学业要完成。He still has at least one year of study to complete.
- 请至少提前十分钟到达。Please arrive at least ten minutes early.
- 每天至少锻炼三十分钟。Exercise for at least thirty minutes every day.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a travel plan.
- 志强 Zhiqiang去北京至少要花三小时。Qù Běijīng zhìshǎo yào huā sān xiǎoshí.It takes at least three hours to go to Beijing.
- 雨婷 Yuting那我们坐高铁吧。Nà wǒmen zuò gāotiě ba.Then let's take the high-speed train.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好，这样比较快。Hǎo, zhèyàng bǐjiào kuài.Okay, that is faster.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也觉得这样比较好。Wǒ yě juédé zhèyàng bǐjiào hǎo.I also think this is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at least” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
