少なくとも

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 少なくとも is read as すくなくとも and is an adverb that establishes a minimum quantity, duration, frequency, or degree.
• Basic usage: Place it before a quantity, as in 少なくとも三日 for minimum duration and 少なくとも一度 for minimum frequency.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Not an exact figure
  • It means no less than the stated amount and leaves open the possibility that the actual figure is higher.
• Direction versus せいぜい
  • 少なくとも sets a lower bound, whereas せいぜい gives an upper bound meaning at most.