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March 24, 2026
至少zhìshǎo(zhi4shao3)
至少 (zhì shǎo) translates to 'at least' in English. It is commonly used to indicate a minimum quantity or level, often in contexts where you're setting a baseline for expectations or requirements. This phrase conveys a sense of reassurance that something is sufficient, even if it may not be ideal.
Strokes10Frequency#495DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting a minimum expectation through words like 至少 often reflects a pragmatic approach to communication. It allows speakers to express flexibility while ensuring that certain standards or needs are met, a common practice in negotiations or planning.
Memory Tip
Think of 至 (zhì) as 'arriving' at a point and 少 (shǎo) as 'less' or 'few.' Imagine you arrive at a party and see that there are at least a few guests present—this gives you a sense of comfort about the turnout. Visualize arriving at a gathering with a minimum number of friends to feel at ease.
Meanings of 至少
zhìshǎo(zhi4shao3)
1at least
2(to say the) least
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About 至少
至少Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#495Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 至少
Podcast: 至少
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AI Study Notes for 至少
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 多少 (duō shǎo), which means 'how much' or 'how many,' with 至少. Use 只要 (zhǐ yào) for 'as long as' to express conditionality. The phrase is usually used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you're comfortable with the structure of the sentence to avoid awkwardness.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 至少 connects with other expressions of quantity or degree, such as 一点 (yī diǎn, 'a little') or 差不多 (chà bù duō, 'almost'). Focus on its use in setting minimum standards in discussions or writing to enhance your fluency and precision.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 至少 with 甚至 (shèn zhì, 'even'). For example, saying '我至少可以去' (I at least can go) when meaning 'I can even go' is incorrect. The correct use should be contextually appropriate, emphasizing the minimum aspect intended.
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Pronunciation of 至少
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至少 (zhì shǎo) translates to 'at least' in English. It is commonly used to indicate a minimum quantity or level, often in contexts where you're setting a baseline for expectations or requirements. This phrase conveys a sense of reassurance that something is sufficient, even if it may not be ideal.
When to use 至少
Be careful not to confuse 多少 (duō shǎo), which means 'how much' or 'how many,' with 至少. Use 只要 (zhǐ yào) for 'as long as' to express conditionality. The phrase is usually used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you're comfortable with the structure of the sentence to avoid awkwardness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 至少 with 甚至 (shèn zhì, 'even'). For example, saying '我至少可以去' (I at least can go) when meaning 'I can even go' is incorrect. The correct use should be contextually appropriate, emphasizing the minimum aspect intended.
Write 至少
至
少
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Grammar Patterns of 至少
至少 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
