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せめて

at least, if nothing else

せめて + (Noun だけでも · minimum wish)

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せめて introduces a modest wish, the minimum the speaker hopes for when something better isn't possible: せめて一日だけでも休みたい, "I'd like at least one day off".

It's often followed by だけでも ("even just") and ends with a wish or request: たい, てほしい, てください, or the imperative: せめてあと五分寝かせて, "just give me five more minutes".

The first half often sets out what can't be had: 会えないなら、せめて電話してほしい, "if we can't meet, I'd like you to at least call".

Compare 少なくとも, "at least", which is more about numbers and facts. せめて is emotional: a small hope salvaged from a disappointing situation.

Examples

  • せめて一日いちにちだけでも休やすみたい。

    I'd like at least one day off.

  • 会あえないなら、せめて電話でんわしてほしい。

    If we can't meet, I'd like you to at least call.

  • せめてあと五分寝ごふんねかせて。

    Just give me five more minutes' sleep.

  • 優勝ゆうしょうは無理むりでも、せめて三位さんいには入はいりたい。

    Even if we can't win, I at least want to finish in the top three.

  • せめて名前なまえだけでも教おしえてください。

    Please at least tell me your name.

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