Meanings of 起码
By ear
Play it, then pick what 起码 means.
About 起码
Podcast: 起码
Podcast: 起码
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 起码
最低 (zuìdī) — use 起码 when emphasizing the minimum expectation rather than just the lowest point.
Be cautious not to confuse 起码 with similar expressions like 至少 (zhì shǎo), which also means 'at least' but can carry different nuances. While 起码 is more focused on minimum expectations, 至少 often emphasizes a broader level of sufficiency. It's used in both formal and informal contexts.
As an HSK 6 word, 起码 connects with other advanced vocabulary discussing standards and comparisons. Students should practice using it in sentences that express minimum expectations to solidify their understanding and usage.
Learners often mistakenly use 起码 when they mean 'at least' in a casual context instead of using 至少. For example, saying '起码我会来' (I will at least come) is awkward; it’s better to say '至少我会来.'
Pronunciation of 起码
Drill the tone of 起码 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 起码 to You
Let me explain 起码 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 起码 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 起码?
Learning Lab
Knowing 起码 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say at the minimum in Chinese
“at the minimum” in Chinese is起码
起码 (qǐ mǎ) refers to the least amount or minimum requirement in a situation. It is commonly used to express the idea that something is the bare minimum expected or necessary, often in contexts such as standards, conditions, or expectations.
When to use 起码
Be cautious not to confuse 起码 with similar expressions like 至少 (zhì shǎo), which also means 'at least' but can carry different nuances. While 起码 is more focused on minimum expectations, 至少 often emphasizes a broader level of sufficiency. It's used in both formal and informal contexts.
起码 or something close to it
最低 (zuìdī) — use 起码 when emphasizing the minimum expectation rather than just the lowest point.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 起码 when they mean 'at least' in a casual context instead of using 至少. For example, saying '起码我会来' (I will at least come) is awkward; it’s better to say '至少我会来.'
Write 起码
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 起码 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 起码
起码 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
别的不说，道格____是个精明务实的商人。
If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.
Example Sentences for 起码 (7)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 起码?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 起码
Yes, 起码 is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of communication.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 起码?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.