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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing at least with 至少 (zhìshǎo)

    Degree & Intensity
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    至少 + Number / 至少 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    至少 means "at least," setting a minimum threshold for a quantity or condition. It is placed before the number or verb phrase it modifies. Use it to indicate the lowest acceptable amount or frequency.

    Examples

    • 学一门语言，至少需要几个月的时间。

      Xué yì mén yǔyán, zhìshǎo xūyào jǐ gè yuè de shíjiān.

      Learning a language takes at least a few months.

    • 你至少应该给她打个电话。

      Nǐ zhìshǎo yīnggāi gěi tā dǎ gè diànhuà.

      You should at least give her a call.

    • 这次旅行至少要带三套衣服。

      Zhè cì lǚxíng zhìshǎo yào dài sān tào yīfú.

      You need to bring at least three sets of clothes for this trip.

    Often Confused With