Meaning and Usage
"적어도" means "at least" or "at the minimum" in Korean. It is used to indicate the lowest limit or minimum expectation in a situation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "적어도" when setting minimum standards, expectations, or requirements. For example, when talking about time, quantity, or agreement, it emphasizes that the stated amount or condition is the smallest acceptable.
Collocations and Patterns
- 적어도 + time expression: to specify minimum time (e.g., 적어도 하루에 한 번 - at least once a day)
- 적어도 + number: to indicate minimum quantity (e.g., 적어도 30분 - at least 30 minutes)
- 적어도 + clause: to stress minimum agreement or condition (e.g., 적어도 모두가 동의해야 한다 - at least everyone must agree)
Register and Politeness
"적어도" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It fits well in spoken and written Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "적어도" with "최소한" which also means "at least" but "최소한" can sound slightly more formal or emphasize the minimum more strictly. Use "적어도" for everyday conversation and "최소한" for formal writing or official contexts.