JLPT N2
せめて
At least; at the very least
Structure
せめて + Noun / せめて + Verb phrase / せめて + Sentence ending
How it works
せめて is used to express a desire for a minimum standard or partial fulfillment when a full or ideal outcome is not achievable. It conveys a sense of concession.
Examples
全部は無理でも、せめて半分だけでもやってほしい。
Even if you can't do everything, I want you to do at least half of it.
Common mistakes
Confusing it with '少なくとも (sukunakutomo)' which also means 'at least' but often refers to a minimum quantity or factual minimum, rather than a desired minimum.
Tip
Associate せめて (semete) with 'seme' (attack/blame) in a way that suggests 'even if you blame me, at least...'. Or, think of 'at least' as 'minimum expectation'.
More JLPT N2 grammar
See せめて in real Japanese
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