せめて

Usage patterns

• せめて〈数かず〉だけはat least just [amount/thing]

  お金かねはないが、せめて一いち万まん円えんだけは持もっていきたい。

  I don't have much money, but I want to bring at least ten thousand yen.

• せめて〈事こと〉ぐらいat least [do this much]

  せめてお礼れいの電でん話わぐらいするべきだ。

  You should at least make a thank-you phone call.

• せめて〈動どう詞し〉てほしいI wish you would at least [do something]

  せめて一ひと言こと連れん絡らくしてほしかった。

  I wish you had at least sent me a word to let me know.

• せめて〈事こと〉ならif it's at least [this much], then...

  せめて今日きょう中じゅうなら間まに合あうかもしれない。

  If it's at least by the end of today, we might make it in time.