по кра́йней ме́ре
po krájnej mére
The English phrase 'at least' can be translated into Russian as по кра́йней ме́ре (po krájnej mére). Wiktionary also lists по ме́ньшей ме́ре (po ménʹšej mére) and хотя́ бы (xotjá by).
Meaning: at a lower limit (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| по кра́йней ме́ре | po krájnej mére |
| по ме́ньшей ме́ре | po ménʹšej mére |
| хотя́ бы | xotjá by |
| как ми́нимум | kak mínimum |
по кра́йней ме́ре is often used as a parenthetical phrase to qualify a statement or to soften a claim. как ми́нимум is often used in more technical, mathematical or quantitative contexts to denote a minimum numerical value. хотя́ бы is used to express a minimum requirement or a concession.
Which one should you use?
по кра́йней ме́ре is used for establishing a minimum limit or threshold. In contrast, хотя́ бы is used to express a minimum requirement or a concession (e.g., 'at least tell me the truth').
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle хотя́ бы is often used to express a wish or a suggestion for a minimum acceptable outcome.
How do you pronounce it?
po krájnej mére
Did you know?
- The expression по кра́йней ме́ре literally translates to 'by the outermost measure', using the word for 'edge' or 'boundary' to define a limit.
- The phrase как ми́нимум is a loan translation from European languages, reflecting how Russian adopted Latin-based terminology for technical and quantitative limits.
- The phrase хотя́ бы uses the particle бы, which is the same building block used to create the conditional mood in Russian, similar to the English word 'would'.
Examples in context
- Ему нужно минимум два года опыта работыHe needs at least two years of work experience
- Позвони мне, хотя бы чтобы сказать, что все хорошоCall me, at least just to say that everything is fine
- По кра́йней ме́ре, это должно сработать.Po krayney mere, eto dolzhno srabotat'.At least, this should work.
- По кра́йней ме́ре, скажи мне правду.Po krayney mere, skazhi mne pravdu.At least tell me the truth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at least” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
