Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 最小 | zuìxiǎo |
| 最低 | zuìdī |
| 極小 / 极小 | jíxiǎo |
| 最小值 | zuìxiǎozhí |
In Chinese, the choice of word for "minimum" depends on whether you are discussing a physical size, a level or standard or a mathematical value. Use 最小 for the smallest physical size, amount or scale. Use 最低 when referring to a minimum level, standard or value, such as a minimum wage or a minimum temperature. Use 最小值 specifically to denote a minimum value in a set of data.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 最小值 literally means "minimum value."
Which one should you use?
最小 is used for the smallest physical size or scale, whereas 最低 is used for the lowest level, standard or value. For example, you would use 最低 for a minimum wage, but 最小 for the smallest object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 最小值 is generally used in Mandarin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When acting as an adjective to modify a noun such as "wage" (工资), 最低 is the standard choice.
How do you pronounce it?
zuìxiǎo
Did you know?
- The concept of 'minimum' in a social sense, such as a 'minimum requirement' for a job, often uses the word 门槛, which literally means 'door sill'.
- In many digital interfaces or mobile apps, you might see the 'minimum' setting for an adjustment referred to using the character 极 (extreme), such as in 极小, to indicate the absolute limit of a scale.
- The character 低 in 最低 (lowest) is also used to describe a person's social status or an 'inferior' position, not just a numerical value.
Examples in context
- 你的国家的最低工资是多少？What's the minimum wage in your country?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 最低 in the context of national minimum wages.Tatoeba #8863035 by crescat, translation #1534782 by CK
- 请问乔治亚洲的最低工资是多少？What is the minimum wage in Georgia?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 最低 in the context of regional minimum wages.Tatoeba #8743781 by crescat, translation #7784728 by sharris123
- 冲绳的最低时薪是每小时642日元。The minimum wage in Okinawa is 642 yen per hour.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 最低 in the context of hourly wages.Tatoeba #829686 by fucongcong, translation #828804 by Scott
- 我們需要確保生產過程中的品質達到最低限度。We need to ensure the quality during the production process meets the minimum requirement.
- 這家餐廳的最低消費是多少？What is the minimum spending at this restaurant?
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are discussing the requirements for a job application.
- 伟 Wei申请这个职位，学历要求是多少？Shēnqǐng zhège zhíwèi, xuélì yāoqiú shì duōshǎo?What are the education requirements for applying for this position?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen最小要求是大专学历。Zuìxiǎo yāoqiú shì dàzhuān xuélì.The minimum requirement is a college degree.
- 伟 Wei那我的学历应该没问题。Nà wǒ de xuélì yīnggāi méi wèntí.Then my education should be fine.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，你快点申请吧。Shì de, nǐ kuài diǎn shēnqǐng ba.Yes, go ahead and apply quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minimum” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
