The difference between "少なくとも" and "少なくても"

June 20, 2020

"少なくとも" means "at least" and it is used when you want to mention a minimum requirement in a logical/objective way. These days some people say "少なくても" instead of "少なくとも" and this attitude has been accepted gradually, but ”少なくても” is originally used to express things in a paradoxical manner.

I guess that 10 people will at least come to the party.
[OK]少なくとも、10人はパーティーにくるだろう。
[(NG)]少なくても、10人はパーティーにくるだろう。
The party will be hosted even if there are a few participants.
[NG]参加者が少なくとも、パーティーは実施される。
[OK]参加者が少なくても、パーティーは実施される。

-TIPS
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