적어도
jeogeodo[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ɡʌ̹do̞]
The English phrase 'at least' is translated into Korean as 적어도 (jeogeodo) or 최소한.
Meaning: at a lower limit (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 적어도 | jeogeodo | [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ɡʌ̹do̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 최소한 | choesohan | [ˈt͡ɕʰwe̞(ː)sʰo̞ɦa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕʰø̞(ː)sʰo̞ɦa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
적어도 is a versatile term used to express a minimum requirement for a number or to express a sense of 'at the very least' when making a concession or a suggestion in conversation. 최소한 is used to express 'at least' or 'minimum' when referring to a specific minimum quantity or requirement.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 적어도 is composed of the adverb 적다, meaning 'to be small/few', combined with the particle –어도, meaning 'even/even if', literally translating to 'even if it is small'.
Which one should you use?
적어도 is more versatile and is used in both quantitative contexts and general conversational contexts. In contrast, 최소한 is used specifically when referring to a specific minimum quantity or requirement.
How do you pronounce it?
jeogeodo
Did you know?
- To express 'at least' in a sense of 'at the very least' during an argument, Koreans might use 그나마, a word with no direct English equivalent that implies 'considering the poor options'.
- The phrase 적어도 is built from the root 적다, which is a distinct word from 작다 ('small' in size). One refers to quantity and the other to physical dimensions.
- The term 최소한 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is built from Chinese characters rather than native Korean roots, which is why it sounds more formal and technical than 적어도.
Examples in context
- 적어도 경고는 할 수 없었습니까?Couldn't you at least have warned me?This sentence shows how to use 적어도 when making a suggestion or concession.Tatoeba #12401405 by gratified3539, translation #12529569 by sundown
- 그 미술작품은 적어도 1,000 달러는 될 거야.The painting will cost at least 1,000 dollars.This sentence demonstrates using 적어도 for a minimum numerical amount.Tatoeba #8367855 by Eunhee, translation #48995 by CK
- 남동생은 매우 중요한 인물이야. 적어도 그 녀석은 그렇게 생각하고 있어.My brother is very important. At least he thinks he is.This sentence illustrates using 적어도 in a conversational context to express a thought or stance.Tatoeba #13250304 by qiwiwi, translation #2162 by Dejo
- 최소한 한 시간은 가능하겠습니다I can spare at least one hour.
- 적어도 한 달은 공부해야 돼요You have to study for at least one month.
- 최소한 저녁은 같이 먹자Let's have dinner together at least.
- 최소한 8시간은 자야 돼요.I have to sleep at least 8 hours.
- 참여자는 최소한 5명이 필요해요.At least 5 participants are needed.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are discussing how much time they need for a trip.
- 지훈 Ji-hun여행 준비에 적어도 세 시간은 걸릴 거야.yeohaeng junbi-e jeogeodo se sigan-eun geolril geoya.It will take at least three hours to prepare for the trip.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 너무 오래 걸리네.jeongmal? neomu orae geolline.Really? That takes too long.
- 지훈 Ji-hun짐 싸는 것부터 시작하자.jim ssaneun geotbuteo sijakhaja.Let's start by packing the bags.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래, 지금 바로 시작하자.geurae, jigeum baro sijakhaja.Okay, let's start right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at least” translations and entries 적어도, 최소한, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 적어도, 최소한, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
