Learning how to express “at least” in Korean can be helpful in various situations, whether you’re expressing a minimum expectation or emphasizing a positive aspect. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this concept in Korean, along with useful tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “At Least” in Korean
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, official events, or conversations with elders, it’s crucial to use appropriately polite language. Here are some phrases you can use to convey “at least” formally:
- 최소한 (Choisohan): This term is often used to mean “at least” in a formal context. For instance, if someone asks for your availability for a meeting, you can respond, “최소한 한 시간은 가능하겠습니다” (Choisohan han siganeun ganeunghagesseumnida), which translates to “I can spare at least one hour.”
- 적어도 (Jeogeodo): Another phrase used formally to express “at least,” this term emphasizes the minimum requirement or expectation. For example, you can say, “적어도 한 달은 공부해야 돼요” (Jeogeodo han daleun gongbuhyaedo dwaeyo), which means “You have to study for at least one month.”
Informal Ways to Say “At Least” in Korean
Informal language is often used among friends, peers, or in casual situations. Here are some informal expressions to convey the concept of “at least” in Korean:
- 최소한 (Choisohan): Just like in formal contexts, this phrase can be used to mean “at least” among friends. For example, you can say, “최소한 저녁은 같이 먹자” (Choisohan jeonyeogeun gachi meokja), which translates to “Let’s have dinner together at least.”
- 적어도 (Jeogeodo): This term can also be used informally to emphasize a minimum requirement. For instance, you might say, “적어도 10시에 나와” (Jeogeodo yeolsie nawa), meaning “Come out at least at 10 o’clock.”
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to help you further understand how to utilize “at least” effectively in Korean:
1. Adjusting Verb Endings:
In Korean, verb endings may vary depending on the formality level and sentence structure. When using “at least” with verbs, make sure to adjust the verb endings accordingly. Here’s an example:
최소한 8시간은 자야 돼요.
Which translates to: “I have to sleep at least 8 hours.”
2. Using Modifier “만에” (man-e):
To emphasize a period of time between two events, you can use the modifier “만에” (man-e) along with “at least.” Here’s an example:
이 일에 최소한 2년 만에 성공했어요!
Translated as: “I succeeded in this job after at least two years!”
3. Expressing “At Least” with Nouns:
When using “at least” with nouns, you can add the particle “만” (man) right after the noun. Here’s an example:
참여자는 최소한 5명이 필요해요.
Which means: “At least 5 participants are needed.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to express “at least” in Korean, both formally and informally. Remember to adjust your language level according to the context and the people you’re speaking with. Practice using these phrases in conversations, and you’ll be able to convey the concept of “at least” effectively in no time. Happy learning!
