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精々 (せいぜい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
adverb
at most ; at best ; only
usually written using kana alone
Expresses an upper limit or modest estimate, often with a nuance of 'no more than this'. Used to downplay expectations or state a maximum.
彼かれ の 英えい 語ご は せいぜい 中ちゅう 学がく レベル だ 。
His English is at best junior high school level.
2
adverb
as much as possible ; to the utmost
usually written using kana alone
Used when encouraging someone to do their best within their limits, or when stating one will do all one can. Often appears in expressions like せいぜい頑張る.
Written forms 精せい 々ぜい Usage 3%
Standard kanji spelling, though the word is usually written in kana.
せいぜい Usage 96%
Kana spelling is the most common and recommended for learners.
セイゼイ Usage <1%
精せい 精ぜい Usage <1%
Alternate kanji spelling; less common than 精々.
Similar words たかが たかが is more dismissive ('merely', 'just'), while せいぜい focuses on the upper limit or best possible outcome.
最さい 大だい 限げん 最大限 is a noun meaning 'maximum limit', often used in formal contexts, whereas せいぜい is an adverb with a more subjective, conversational tone.
Etymology Derived from reduplication of 精 (sei, 'spirit, energy'), with the meaning of 'with all one's might' evolving into the modern adverbial senses of 'at most' and 'as much as possible'.
