Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
最小限 (さいしょうげん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
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
被ひ 害がい を 最さい 小しょう 限げん に 抑おさ える 必ひつ 要よう が ある 。
We need to keep the damage to a minimum.
2
adverb
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.
Kanji 限 limit, restrict, to best of ability Similar words 最さい 大だい 限げん Antonym meaning the greatest possible degree or extent, often translated as 'maximum' or 'to the fullest extent.'
最さい 低てい 限げん Very close in meaning to 最小限; 最低限 often emphasizes the least acceptable or necessary standard, while 最小限 more directly emphasizes the smallest amount or extent.
最さい 小しょう Means 'smallest' or 'minimum' as a simpler noun/no-adjective; 最小限 specifically means the smallest limit, extent, or necessary amount.
Etymology Sino-Japanese compound from 最小, 'smallest; minimum,' plus 限, 'limit.' The spelling directly reflects the meaning 'minimum limit' or 'smallest extent.'