最小限
Meanings
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
minimum; minimum necessary; minimal
A noun and の-adjective meaning the smallest degree, amount, or extent needed or possible. Common in phrases such as 最小限の and 最小限に抑える.
Antonyms: 最大限
The meeting will be held with the minimum number of people.
We need to keep the damage to a minimum.
at a minimum; at least
Adverbial use, often before a phrase stating the minimum required amount or condition. 最低限 is often more conversational, while 最小限 sounds somewhat objective or formal.
At a minimum, identification documents are required.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉を最小限に抑えるto keep something to a minimum
We took measures to keep the damage to a minimum.
- 最小限の〈物〉the minimum amount/number of something
I took only the minimum amount of luggage for the trip.
- 〈事〉を最小限に食い止めるto limit something to a minimum (esp. damage or loss)
By responding quickly, we limited the financial loss to a minimum.
- 最小限〈動詞〉to do the minimum amount necessary
I try to use only the minimum amount of resources necessary.