al menos
/al ˈmenos/
The English phrase "at least" can be translated into Spanish in several ways, with the default form being al menos. Wiktionary also lists por lo menos and a lo menos/menor.
Meaning: at a lower limit (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| al menos | /al ˈmenos/ |
| por lo menos | /poɾ lo ˈmenos/ |
| a lo menos/menor | |
| como mínimo/mínimum/poco | |
| cuando menos | /ˌkwando ˈmenos/ |
| siquiera | /siˈkjeɾa/ |
| no menos de | /no menos de/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to indicate a lower limit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por lo menos is built from the preposition por (for/by), the article lo (the) and menos (less).
Which one should you use?
In negative sentences, siquiera is used to mean "at least" or "even" in the sense of "not even a little bit". When you are referring specifically to a numerical quantity or a measurable amount, no menos de (no less than) is a common formal alternative. To denote a minimum requirement in technical or professional contexts, como mínimo is often used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Como mínimo is a formal option often used in technical or professional environments. Similarly, no menos de serves as a formal alternative when discussing specific measurements or quantities.
How do you pronounce it?
/al ˈmenos/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, al menos can be used as a conversational filler to soften a criticism, similar to saying 'at any rate' in English.
- While al menos and por lo menos are often interchangeable, using siquiera usually signals a stronger emotional tone of disappointment or disbelief in negative sentences.
- The word menos descends from the Latin 'minus', which is the same root used for the English word 'minus'.
Examples in context
- ¿Al menos lo sabías tú?Did you know it at least?This sentence shows how to use al menos to ask a question.Tatoeba #2741692 by Shishir, translation #12826083 by Yepthatscool
- ¡Al menos haz bien eso!At least do that right!This sentence uses al menos to give an instruction.Tatoeba #3182454 by marcelostockle, translation #9154017 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Por lo menos sé sincero.At least be honest.This sentence demonstrates the use of por lo menos to express a desire for honesty.Tatoeba #9423755 by Shishir, translation #9418581 by shekitten
- El informe debe tener al menos 10 páginas.The report should have at least 10 pages.
- Debes estudiar por lo menos una hora al día.You should study at least one hour a day.
- No hay por lo menos cinco participantes en el evento.There are not at least five participants in the event.
- Tienes que llegar a la fiesta por lo menos a las 9.You have to arrive at the party at least by 9.
- No tengo por lo menos cinco dólares en mi cartera.I don't have at least five dollars in my wallet.
- Como mínimo, necesito dormir ocho horas para sentirme descansado.I need to sleep at least eight hours to feel rested.
- No tienes como mínimo dos opciones para elegir.You don't have at least two options to choose from.
- Tienes que estudiar al menos dos horas al día.You have to study at least two hours a day.
- Como mínimo, necesito ganar cien dólares esta semana.At least, I need to earn one hundred dollars this week.
- 257 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing how many people to invite to a party.
- ElenaNecesitamos al menos diez personas para el juego.We need at least ten people for the game.
- JavierCreo que vendrán más que eso, Elena.I think more than that will come, Elena.
- ElenaEspero que sí, Javier.I hope so, Javier.
- JavierAl menos ya tenemos la comida lista.At least we already have the food ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at least” translations and entries al menos, por lo menos, cuando menos, siquiera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, al menos, como, lo, menos, por, por lo menos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
