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Grammar detail: せめて

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2
JLPT:
せめて - at least
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せめて
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explanation
means
at least ~
せめて carries an implication of emotional attachment to a desired amount of something, or of complaint that something is not the case. For example:
DETAILS
せめて
ねん
年
に
いちど
一度
でもスミ
こ
子
から
たよ
便
りがあればねぇ。
I would love to hear from Sumiko at least once a year ...
The more common
すく
少
なくとも does not have this same emotional implication - it is simply a dry expression of fact.
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See also:
  • 少なくとも（すくなくとも） - at least
More information / references:
  • is there any difference between せめて and 少なくとも? ⇗

Kanji used in this grammar

少
ショウ   すこし a little   すくない few   
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2
年
ネン   とし year   
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1
一
イチ   イツ   ひとつ    ひと- one   
1
度
ド   ト   タク   degree   たび occasion, time   
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2
子
シ   ス   こ child   
1
便
convenience; tidings   ビン tidings   ベン convenience   たより tidings, news   
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3
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