In this article, we will explore the meaning of 至少 (zhì shǎo), its grammatical structure, and provide you with a variety of example sentences that illustrate its use in everyday conversation. Understanding this phrase can greatly enhance your proficiency in the Chinese language.
What Does 至少 (zhì shǎo) Mean?
At its core, 至少 (zhì shǎo) translates to “at least” in English. This phrase is commonly used to indicate a minimum requirement or a lower boundary in terms of quantity or degree. In conversations, it helps speakers express a sense of reassurance or set expectations in a subtle yet effective manner.
Understanding the Grammatical Structure of 至少
Components of 至少
至少 is made up of two characters:
- 至 (zhì): This character means “to” or “up to” and implies a limit or degree.
- 少 (shǎo): This character means “few” or “less.” When combined with 至, it conveys the idea of a minimum threshold.
Usage in Sentences
The usage of 至少 can vary slightly depending on the context. Here are some key points:
- It is often followed by a number or a measurable adjective to indicate the minimum.
- It can be used to soften requests or judgments, making statements more polite.
Example Sentences Using 至少
Everyday Contexts
Below are example sentences that demonstrate how to use 至少 in different scenarios:
- 在这个项目中,我们至少需要五个成员。
*Zài zhège xiàngmù zhōng, wǒmen zhì shǎo xūyào wǔ gè chéngyuán.*
*In this project, we need at least five members. - 你至少要完成这个任务才能得到奖励。
*Nǐ zhì shǎo yào wánchéng zhège rènwu cáinéng dédào jiǎnglì.*
*You must at least complete this task to receive the reward. - 这部电影至少有三个小时长。
*Zhè bù diànyǐng zhì shǎo yǒu sān gè xiǎoshí cháng.*
*This movie is at least three hours long.
Polite Requests
Using 至少 can make requests sound more considerate:
- 我希望你至少能参加一次会议。
*Wǒ xīwàng nǐ zhì shǎo néng cānjiā yícì huìyì.*
*I hope you can at least attend one meeting. - 请你至少给我一个星期的时间。
*Qǐng nǐ zhì shǎo gěi wǒ yīgè xīngqī de shíjiān.*
*Please give me at least one week’s time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase 至少 (zhì shǎo) is an essential expression in Mandarin Chinese that allows speakers to convey minimum expectations or requirements. By familiarizing yourself with its meaning and usage, you can enhance your communication skills in the language and build a deeper understanding of how native speakers communicate.
To further your Chinese language learning journey, keep practicing with phrases like 至少 and expand your vocabulary with similar expressions. Happy learning!

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