せめて
At least
Structure
Explanation
Derived from the verb 責める, which carries the sense of 'to hold responsible', the adverb せめて expresses that something is the bare minimum that should be done or that one hopes for. In English, it's most commonly translated as 'at least'.
Typically, せめて is positioned at the start of a clause or sentence and modifies the entire statement that follows.
- 全部掃除しなくてもいいから、せめて机の上だけは片付けて。You don't have to clean everything, but at least tidy up your desk.
- せめて説明書くらいは読んでおきなさい。At least read the instructions first.
Because of its origin in 責める, this grammar point often suggests a feeling of obligation or that a certain action is the least one can do, rather than just being a simple quantity. For this reason, it frequently appears alongside expressions of personal desire or judgment, like たい, ほしい, てほしい, and べき.
- せめて一人の名前だけでも覚えたい。I want to remember the name of at least one person.
- えー、一日だけの休み？せめて三日は欲しいよ。What, only one day off? I want at least three days.
- 毎日電話しろとは言わないけど、せめてメッセージだけでも送ってほしい。I'm not saying you have to call every day, but I'd like you to at least send me a message.
- 毎日、せめて６時間は寝るべきだ。You should get at least six hours of sleep every day.
Examples
空港まで見送りに行けないけど、せめて電話させてください。
I can't see you off at the airport, but please at least let me call you.
固形物は無理でも、せめてスープだけでも飲んでください。
Even if you can't handle solid food, please at least try to drink some soup.
全部は無理だけど、せめて筆記試験だけでも合格したい。
I know I can't pass the whole thing, but I want to at least pass the written exam.
親：「もう許してあげない！」子：「せめて話だけでも聞いて…」
Parent: 'I'm not forgiving you!' Child: 'At least just listen to what I have to say...'
壊してしまってすみません。せめてものお詫びに、新しいのを買います。
I'm sorry for breaking it. As the least I can do to apologize, I will buy you a new one.
手伝わなくてもいいから、せめてやり方だけでも教えてくれない？
You don't have to help me, so could you at least show me how to do it?
すみません、携帯の充電が切れてしまって。せめて駅までの道を教えていただけませんか。
Excuse me, my phone died. Could you at least tell me the way to the station?
プレゼントはいらないって言うなら、せめてこの手紙だけは受け取ってください。
If you're saying you don't want the present, then please at least accept this letter.
ライブには行けなかったけど、せめて写真だけでも見たかったなあ。
I couldn't go to the concert, but I wish I could have at least seen a picture.
お誕生日に会えないのは残念だけど、せめて「おめでとう」って言わせて。
It's a shame I can't see you on your birthday, but at least let me say "Happy Birthday."
直接会って謝罪できないなら、せめてメールだけでも読んでもらいたい。
If I can't apologize in person, I'd like them to at least read my email.
僕が負けるのは構わない。だが、せめて仲間たちだけは逃がしてやってくれ！
I don't mind losing. But at least let my friends escape!