せめて (semete)

Meaning & usage

せめて marks a minimal wish or demand when the ideal is out of reach, with a feeling of at the very least or if only. It is an adverb with no conjugation and is placed directly before a quantity plus は, or before a verb, adjective, or whole clause, as in せめて二回は or せめて礼儀くらい守ったらどうだ. It often carries disappointment or pleading, so it suits requests, advice, and regrets rather than neutral statements of amount.

Example sentences 5

1. せめて日常会話にちじょうかいわができるくらいになりたい。

   At the very least, I'd like to be able to have everyday conversations.

2. せめてヒントをくれよ。

   At least give me a hint.

3. せめて１日数ページは読むように心がけてはいるんだ。

   I try to read at least a few pages a day.

4. 一日にせめて二回は歯を磨くべきだ。

   You should brush your teeth at least twice a day.

5. 君らしくないかも知れないが、せめて礼儀くらい守ったらどうだ。

   You could at least try to be a bit more polite, even though it's not like you.