When you want to express a minimum condition or a strong desire for something to happen, even if it's not ideal, you can use the word 「せめて」 (semete). It means "at least" or "at the very least."
You often use 「せめて」 when you're talking about something you hope for or a request you have, especially when the situation isn't perfect.
For example, if you can't have everything you want, you might say, 「せめてこれだけでもほしいです。」 (Semete kore dake demo hoshii desu.) which means, "At least I want just this much."
It emphasizes that even a small amount or a basic condition would be helpful or acceptable in a given situation.
When you use せめて, you're usually expressing a minimum condition or a last resort. It implies that while something ideal might not be possible, a certain lower standard is still desired or necessary. Think of it as saying, "If nothing else, then at least this." It often carries a nuance of resignation or a plea for a basic level of something.
§ What does せめて mean and when do people use it?
The Japanese adverb せめて (semeteresounds like 'seh-meh-teh') translates to "at least" or "at the very least" in English. It's a really useful word to add to your vocabulary because it expresses a feeling of a minimum expectation, a last resort, or a hope for a certain outcome even if it's not ideal. Think of it as setting a baseline for what you'd be satisfied with, or what you hope will happen as the smallest possible good thing in a difficult situation.
- DEFINITION
- At least; at the very least; if only.
People use せめて in various situations, but they all share the common thread of expressing a desire for a minimum standard or outcome. You'll hear it when someone is feeling a bit disappointed, making a request, or wishing for something to be different.
For example, if you're stuck in traffic and going to be late, you might think, "I hope I can at least make it before the meeting ends." Or if you're studying for an exam and don't have much time, you might decide, "I should at least review the main points."
It often implies a sense of wanting to avoid a worse situation, or wishing for a small positive outcome when a big one isn't possible. It's about setting a lower bar but still hoping to clear it.
§ Examples of せめて in sentences
Let's look at some examples to get a better feel for how せめて is used in natural Japanese.
パーティーには行けないけど、せめて連絡だけはしよう。
I can't go to the party, but I'll at least contact them.
試験に合格できなかったとしても、せめていい経験になったと思う。
Even if I couldn't pass the exam, I think it was at least a good experience.
時間がなくても、せめて朝ごはんは食べたい。
Even if I don't have time, I want to at least eat breakfast.
もう手遅れかもしれないけど、せめて謝りに行こう。
It might be too late, but I'll at least go apologize.
負けたのは仕方ない。せめて最後まで諦めずに戦ったことを誇りに思う。
It can't be helped that we lost. I'm proud that we at least fought without giving up until the end.
§ Understanding せめて (Semete)
The Japanese adverb せめて (semate) is a versatile word that expresses the idea of 'at least' or 'at the very least.' It's rated at CEFR B1, meaning it's a useful word to know as you move beyond beginner Japanese.
- DEFINITION
- At least, at the very least.
You'll often hear せめて used when someone is expressing a minimum requirement, a desire for something to happen even if the ideal isn't possible, or a hope for a small concession. It implies a sense of wanting 'this much, if nothing else.'
§ Basic Sentence Structure with せめて
Generally, せめて is placed before the part of the sentence it modifies. This could be a noun, a verb, or an adjective. It sets a lower bound or a minimum expectation for the action or state described. It's quite flexible in its placement, but often comes at the beginning of a clause to emphasize the 'at least' aspect.
せめて連絡してください。
Translation hint: "At least, please contact me."
§ Using せめて with Nouns
When せめて modifies a noun, it often implies a minimum quantity or choice. It can be followed by particles like 〜は (wa) or 〜だけ (dake) to further emphasize the 'only this much' or 'at least this one' idea, although it's not strictly necessary. The particle 〜は (wa) in particular is very common with せめて to highlight the minimum element being discussed.
せめて一つは欲しいです。
Translation hint: "At least one, I want." (Meaning: I want at least one.)
せめてコーヒーだけでも飲みたい。
Translation hint: "At least coffee, I want to drink." (Meaning: I want to drink at least coffee.)
§ Using せめて with Verbs and Adjectives
When せめて modifies a verb, it expresses a desire for a minimum action or a regret that even a small action couldn't be taken. It often conveys a feeling of 'if only I could do at least this much.' When modifying adjectives, it means 'at least this much quality' or 'at least this level.'
せめて話だけでも聞きたい。
Translation hint: "At least, I want to hear the story." (Meaning: I want to at least hear the story, even if I can't do anything else.)
せめてもう少し安ければ買えるのに。
Translation hint: "At least if it were a little cheaper, I could buy it." (Meaning: If it were at least a little cheaper, I'd be able to afford it.)
§ Common Phrases and Nuances with せめて
You'll frequently encounter せめて in situations where someone is making a request or expressing a hope for a minimal outcome. It can sometimes carry a nuance of exasperation or resignation, implying that the ideal situation is out of reach, so they're settling for the bare minimum.
- せめてもの: This is a set phrase that means 'at least' or 'the least I/we can do.' It often precedes a noun.
せめてものお礼です。
Translation hint: "This is the least of my gratitude." (Meaning: This is the least I can do to show my gratitude.)
- せめて…だけでも: This combination strongly emphasizes the 'at least... only this' aspect, making the minimum requirement very clear.
せめて名前だけでも覚えてください。
Translation hint: "At least, please remember just my name." (Meaning: Please at least remember my name.)
Understanding せめて will significantly boost your ability to express subtle nuances in Japanese. Pay attention to the context, and you'll grasp whether it's a polite request for a minimum, a strong desire, or a statement of resignation.
How Formal Is It?
"せめて、この件についてご意見を伺えますでしょうか。 (At least, could I ask for your opinion regarding this matter?)"
"せめて連絡くらいはしてくださいね。 (At least, please contact me.)"
"せめてもう一杯だけ飲もうよ。 (At least, let's have just one more drink.)"
"せめてお野菜を一つだけでも食べようね。 (Let's at least eat just one vegetable.)"
"せめてそれくらいはできんだろ。 (You can at least do that much, right?)"
Examples by Level
せめて、あと10分寝たい。
I want to sleep at least 10 more minutes.
せめて、水だけでも飲みたい。
I want to drink at least water.
せめて、ひとつだけでも食べたい。
I want to eat at least one.
せめて、これだけでも持ってきてください。
Please bring at least this much.
せめて、名前だけでも教えてください。
Please tell me at least your name.
せめて、メールだけでも送ってください。
Please send at least an email.
せめて、彼だけでも手伝ってほしい。
I want at least him to help.
せめて、今日だけでも来てください。
Please come at least today.
せめて、もう一度だけチャンスをください。
Please give me at least one more chance.
せめて、ありがとうくらい言ってほしかった。
I wanted you to at least say thank you.
間に合わないかもしれないけど、せめて行ってみよう。
We might not make it in time, but let's at least try to go.
せめて、今日の宿題は終わらせておこう。
Let's at least finish today's homework.
全部は無理でも、せめて半分は食べてください。
Even if you can't eat everything, please eat at least half.
遅れても、せめて連絡はしてください。
Even if you're late, please at least contact me.
せめて、あなたの名前だけでも教えてください。
Please tell me at least your name.
この本は、せめて一度は読んでおくべきだ。
You should at least read this book once.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
せめて、もう少し時間をください。
At least, please give me a little more time.
せめて一言謝ってほしかった。
I wanted him to at least apologize with a single word.
せめてもの救いは、誰も怪我をしなかったことだ。
The only saving grace was that no one was injured.
せめて今日だけでも、ゆっくり休みたい。
At least for today, I want to rest comfortably.
せめて連絡くらいはしてほしかった。
I wish you had at least contacted me.
せめて、事実だけは知りたい。
At least, I want to know only the truth.
せめてこのプロジェクトだけは成功させたい。
At least this project, I want to make it successful.
せめて、できることは全部やりたい。
At least, I want to do everything I can.
せめて名前だけでも教えてください。
At least, please tell me your name.
せめて、話を聞いてあげたかった。
At least, I wanted to listen to what he had to say.
Often Confused With
This English phrase is the direct translation of 'せめて' and also of '少なくとも' and '最低でも'. The key is to understand the nuance of each Japanese word in context.
Similar to 'せめて' when expressing a bare minimum action or concession.
Emphasizes the minimum, aligning well with the usage of 'せめて' to express a strong desire for a minimal outcome.
Idioms & Expressions
"せめてもの慰め"
The only consolation, a small comfort (lit. "at least a consolation")
彼にとってはそれがせめてもの慰めだった。
neutral"せめてこれだけでも"
At least just this much, at least only this
時間がなくても、せめてこれだけでも読んでください。
neutral"せめて一言だけでも"
At least a single word
彼女にせめて一言だけでも話したかった。
neutral"せめてもの償い"
The least I can do to make amends, the only compensation
せめてもの償いに、お土産を買っていきました。
neutral"せめてもの抵抗"
The least amount of resistance, a last ditch effort
それはせめてもの抵抗だった。
neutral"せめて一度は"
At least once
生きているうちに、せめて一度はそこに行ってみたい。
neutral"せめてもの恩返し"
The least I can do to repay your kindness
これはせめてもの恩返しです。
neutral"せめて間に合えば"
If only I can make it in time, if only it's not too late
せめて間に合えばいいのですが。
neutral"せめてもの謝罪"
The least I can do to apologize
これはせめてもの謝罪の気持ちです。
neutral"せめてもの心遣い"
The least amount of consideration, a small gesture of kindness
せめてもの心遣いをありがとう。
neutralEasily Confused
Both 'せめて' and '少なくとも' can mean 'at least'.
'少なくとも' emphasizes a minimum quantity or number. 'せめて' expresses a desire or hope for a minimum outcome, often in a regretful or concessionary context.
会議には少なくとも10人は必要です。 (We need at least 10 people for the meeting.)
Similar to '少なくとも', it can also translate to 'at least' or 'at the very least'.
'最低でも' is often used when setting a minimum target or requirement. 'せめて' carries a stronger nuance of making a compromise or expressing a wish for a reduced negative outcome.
最低でもあと2時間はかかるでしょう。 (It will take at least another two hours.)
Can be used to express a strong plea, similar to 'at least' when asking for a minimum concession.
'どうか' is a general adverb for making earnest requests or pleas. 'せめて' specifically focuses on the minimum acceptable condition or outcome.
どうか私を許してください。 (Please forgive me.)
Can sometimes imply 'at least' in the sense of 'still' or 'yet' when there's a remaining positive aspect.
'まだ' indicates continuation or something remaining. 'せめて' expresses a desired minimum in a situation that is not ideal.
まだ時間がある。 (There's still time / At least there's still time.) (Here, 'まだ' implies 'at least' by emphasizing the remaining time.)
Can express a small amount or 'even a little', which might overlap with the idea of a minimum.
'わずかでも' focuses on a tiny quantity or degree. 'せめて' is about the minimum desired or acceptable action/outcome in a given situation.
わずかでも良いので、手伝ってください。 (Please help me, even if it's just a little.)
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
せめて (semete) is an adverb that conveys the meaning of 'at least' or 'at the very least.' It's often used when expressing a minimum desired outcome, a concession, or a last resort. It implies that while a better outcome would be preferred, this minimum is acceptable or necessary.
You can use せめて with various sentence structures. For example, it can precede a verb to indicate a minimum action, or it can be used with nouns or phrases to set a minimum condition.
Examples:
1. せめて、間に合ってほしいです。(Semete, maniatte hoshii desu.)
Hint: At least, I want to be on time. (Implies being on time is the minimum acceptable, even if earlier would be better.)
2. せめて、あと1時間寝たい。(Semete, ato ichi-jikan netai.)
Hint: At least, I want to sleep for one more hour. (Implies that while more sleep would be ideal, one more hour is the minimum desired.)
3. せめて、メールの返信だけでもしてください。(Semete, meeru no henshin dake demo shite kudasai.)
Hint: At least, please just reply to the email. (Implies that while a full conversation might be preferred, a reply is the minimum expected.)
4. パーティーに行けないなら、せめてお祝いのメッセージを送ろう。(Paatii ni ikenai nara, semete oiwai no messeeji o okurou.)
Hint: If I can't go to the party, at least I'll send a congratulatory message. (Implies a concession.)
A common mistake is confusing せめて with とりあえず (toriaezu). While both can imply a temporary or minimum action, they have different nuances.
せめて (semete) focuses on a 'bare minimum' or 'at least' in terms of desire, expectation, or concession. It often carries a sense of 'even if only this much.'
とりあえず (toriaezu) means 'for the time being,' 'for now,' or 'first of all.' It suggests a temporary measure or a first step before something more comprehensive is done. It doesn't necessarily imply a minimum desired outcome, but rather a preliminary action.
Consider this:
Incorrect: とりあえず、間に合ってほしいです。(Toriaezu, maniatte hoshii desu.)
Hint: For now, I want to be on time. (Sounds unnatural as 'for now' doesn't fit with expressing a minimum desire to be on time.)
Correct: せめて、間に合ってほしいです。(Semete, maniatte hoshii desu.)
Hint: At least, I want to be on time.
Another example:
Correct: とりあえず、コーヒーを注文しましょう。(Toriaezu, koohii o chuumon shimashou.)
Hint: For now, let's order coffee. (Implies ordering coffee is the first step, perhaps while deciding on food.)
Incorrect: せめて、コーヒーを注文しましょう。(Semete, koohii o chuumon shimashou.)
Hint: At least, let's order coffee. (This would only make sense in a very specific context where ordering coffee is the absolute minimum action, e.g., if you're trying to order something but are having trouble deciding, and coffee is the only thing you can agree on.)
Tips
Basic Meaning of 'せめて'
Think of せめて as emphasizing a minimum requirement or last resort. It often implies that something is not ideal, but it's the best you can hope for.
Use with requests
When making a request, せめて adds a sense of 'if you can't do X, at least do Y'.
Example: せめて連絡してください。 (Semete renraku shite kudasai.) - At least contact me.
Use with hopes/desires
It can express a strong hope for a minimum outcome.
Example: せめて晴れてほしい。 (Semete harete hoshii.) - I hope it's at least sunny.
Consider the nuance of regret
Sometimes, せめて carries a nuance of regret for what couldn't be achieved, focusing on what could still be salvaged.
Example: せめて感謝の気持ちを伝えたい。 (Semete kansha no kimochi o tsutaetai.) - I want to at least convey my gratitude (even if I can't do more).
Common patterns: せめて〜だけでも
You'll often see せめて combined with 〜だけでも (dake demo - even just). This reinforces the 'at least' idea.
Example: せめて名前だけでも教えてください。 (Semete namae dake demo oshiete kudasai.) - Please tell me at least your name.
Distinguish from とにかく (tonikaku)
While both can mean 'at least' in some contexts, とにかく means 'anyway' or 'in any case', focusing on proceeding regardless of circumstances. せめて focuses on a minimum condition.
Example with とにかく: とにかくやってみよう。 (Tonikaku yatte miyou.) - Anyway, let's try it.
Distinguish from 少なくとも (sukunakutomo)
少なくとも means 'at least' in a factual, numerical, or statistical sense. せめて is more emotional or desiderative.
Example with 少なくとも: 少なくとも3人は来る。 (Sukunakutomo sannin wa kuru.) - At least three people are coming.
Practice with conditional sentences
Try using せめて in sentences with 〜ば (ba), 〜たら (tara), or 〜なら (nara) to express a minimal condition.
Example: 時間がないなら、せめてこれだけは読んで。 (Jikan ga nai nara, semete kore dake wa yonde.) - If you don't have time, at least read just this.
Listen for the tone
In spoken Japanese, the speaker's tone can heavily influence the nuance of せめて, ranging from a polite request to a desperate plea. Pay attention to context.
Translate naturally, not literally
Don't always translate せめて as 'at least'. Sometimes, 'even if only', 'if nothing else', or simply emphasizing the verb works better in English. Focus on the intended meaning.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
When talking about minimum requirements or expectations.
- せめてこれだけはしてください。(At least do this much.)
- せめて間に合うようにがんばります。(I'll try my best to at least be on time.)
- せめて連絡くらいはください。(At least contact me.)
When expressing a desire for a minimum outcome.
- せめて合格したいです。(I want to at least pass.)
- せめて雨が止んでほしい。(I wish the rain would at least stop.)
- せめてもう一日休みがほしい。(I want at least one more day off.)
When comparing and setting a lower bound.
- 他のことは無理でも、せめてこれだけはできる。(Even if other things are impossible, at least this much can be done.)
- せめてこの値段なら買える。(If it's at least this price, I can buy it.)
- せめて一時間だけでも勉強しよう。(Let's at least study for an hour.)
When expressing a reluctant acceptance or concession.
- 全部は無理なので、せめて半分でいいですか。(I can't do everything, so is half okay at least?)
- せめてもう少し考えさせてください。(Please let me think about it a little more, at least.)
- せめて謝ってほしかった。(I wanted you to at least apologize.)
When giving advice or making a suggestion for a minimum action.
- せめて水分はとってください。(At least drink some water.)
- せめて一回は試してみてください。(Please try it at least once.)
- せめて返事くらいはしましょう。(Let's at least reply.)
Conversation Starters
"せめて旅行に一週間くらい行きたいね。"
"このお店、せめてコーヒーだけでも美味しいといいんだけど。"
"せめて週末くらいはゆっくりしたいと思わない？"
"テスト、せめて平均点くらいは取りたいな。"
"せめて一言でもいいから、何か言ってくれない？"
Journal Prompts
今日、せめてこれだけはできたことは何ですか？
もし、もう一日休みがあったら、せめて何をしたいですか？
最近、せめてこれだけは改善したいと思うことは何ですか？
あなたが誰かに「せめてこれだけはしてほしい」と頼むとしたら、何を頼みますか？
せめてこれだけは譲れない、というあなたのこだわりは何ですか？
Test Yourself 42 questions
Someone is asking you to do something as a minimum.
It's about doing at least a basic action.
The speaker wants to be on time as a minimum.
Read this aloud:
せめてこれだけでも読んでください。
Focus: せめて (semete)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
せめて5分は待ってください。
Focus: ごふん (gofun)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
せめて何か言ってください。
Focus: なにか (nanika)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
___ 漢字は読めるようになりたい。
This sentence means 'I want to be able to read at least kanji.' 'せめて' (semete) fits best to convey 'at least.'
プレゼントは買えないけど、___ メッセージカードを書こう。
This sentence means 'I can't buy a present, but at least I'll write a message card.' 'せめて' (semete) expresses 'at least' in this context.
遅れてもいいから、___ 連絡してください。
This sentence means 'It's okay to be late, but at least please contact me.' 'せめて' (semete) emphasizes the minimum requirement.
日本語はまだ上手じゃないけど、___ 自己紹介はできる。
This sentence means 'My Japanese isn't good yet, but at least I can introduce myself.' 'せめて' (semete) indicates the minimum ability.
全部は無理でも、___ 一つは終わらせたい。
This sentence means 'Even if I can't do everything, I want to finish at least one.' 'せめて' (semete) is used to express 'at least' for a quantity.
試験には落ちたけど、___ 全力は尽くした。
This sentence means 'I failed the exam, but at least I gave it my all.' 'せめて' (semete) conveys 'at least' in the sense of a minimum effort or outcome.
Listen for 'at least' and 'please finish this by the end of today'.
Listen for 'at least' and 'should have apologized by phone'.
Listen for 'at least' and 'wanted you to come a little earlier'.
Read this aloud:
せめて、あなたの名前を教えてください。
Focus: せめて
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
せめて、試してみるべきだ。
Focus: せめて、試してみるべきだ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
せめて、一言だけでも伝えてください。
Focus: せめて、一言だけでも
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You want to go out, but it's raining. You tell your friend, 'At least, let's watch a movie at home.' Translate this into Japanese, using せめて.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
雨が降っているから、せめて家で映画を見ましょう。
You're at a restaurant, and your favorite dish is sold out. You tell the waiter, 'At least, I'd like some water.' Translate this into Japanese, using せめて.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
好きな料理が売り切れてしまいました。せめて水をください。
You are running late for an appointment. You text your friend, 'At least, I'll be there in 10 minutes.' Translate this into Japanese, using せめて.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
遅れてごめんなさい。せめて10分で着きます。
What does B suggest doing 'at least'?
Read this passage:
A: 今日は雨で遠足に行けなくて残念だね。 B: うん、でもせめて美味しいお弁当を食べようよ。
What does B suggest doing 'at least'?
B suggests eating a delicious lunchbox (美味しいお弁当を食べよう) as an alternative to the canceled picnic.
B suggests eating a delicious lunchbox (美味しいお弁当を食べよう) as an alternative to the canceled picnic.
What is B's suggestion for 'at least'?
Read this passage:
A: プレゼントが見つからなくて困っているんだ。 B: そうか。せめてカードだけでも渡したらどう？
What is B's suggestion for 'at least'?
B suggests giving 'at least a card' (せめてカードだけでも渡したらどう？) since a present couldn't be found.
B suggests giving 'at least a card' (せめてカードだけでも渡したらどう？) since a present couldn't be found.
What does B encourage A to do 'at least'?
Read this passage:
A: 今日のテスト、全然できなかったよ。 B: 大丈夫。せめて次のテストで頑張ろう。
What does B encourage A to do 'at least'?
B encourages A to 'at least try hard on the next test' (せめて次のテストで頑張ろう) after a bad test performance.
B encourages A to 'at least try hard on the next test' (せめて次のテストで頑張ろう) after a bad test performance.
Choose the best word to fill in the blank: 彼は毎日遅刻する。___、連絡くらいはするべきだ。
The sentence means 'He is late every day. At least, he should contact.' 'せめて' (seméte) fits perfectly here to express 'at least'.
Choose the best word to fill in the blank: 試験は難しかったが、___平均点くらいは取りたい。
The sentence means 'The exam was difficult, but at least I want to get an average score.' 'せめて' (seméte) emphasizes the minimum desired outcome.
Choose the best word to fill in the blank: 忙しくても、___食事の時間くらいは確保したい。
The sentence means 'Even if I'm busy, at least I want to secure time for meals.' 'せめて' (seméte) is used to express a minimum requirement or desire.
「せめて」は、期待する最低限のレベルを表すときに使われる。
The statement means 'せめて is used to express the minimum expected level.' This is true, as 'せめて' (seméte) signifies 'at least' or 'at the very least'.
「せめて」は、常にポジティブな文脈でしか使われない。
The statement means 'せめて is only used in positive contexts.' This is false. While it often implies a desire for a minimum positive outcome, it can be used in various contexts, sometimes even with a slightly negative nuance, like 'at least it wasn't worse.'
「せめて」は、願望や要求を表す文と一緒に使われることが多い。
The statement means 'せめて is often used with sentences expressing wishes or demands.' This is true, as it sets a minimum standard for what is desired or required.
The speaker wants to succeed with at least this project.
The speaker wants to be contacted if the train is delayed.
The speaker has a cold and wants to rest at least on the weekend.
Read this aloud:
せめて、一言だけでもお礼を言いたかった。
Focus: せめて (semete)
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Read this aloud:
間に合わないとしても、せめて最善を尽くしたい。
Focus: せめて (semete)
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Read this aloud:
せめて、今日のミーティングには出席してください。
Focus: せめて (semete)
You said:
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This sentence means 'I want to arrive at the station at least 5 minutes before departure to be on time.' The natural order is to state the condition first.
This means 'If you're going to be late, at least you should contact us.' The conditional '場合は' comes first.
This translates to 'I at least wanted you to say a word.' The desire '欲しかった' comes at the end.
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Basic Meaning of 'せめて'
Think of せめて as emphasizing a minimum requirement or last resort. It often implies that something is not ideal, but it's the best you can hope for.
Use with requests
When making a request, せめて adds a sense of 'if you can't do X, at least do Y'.
Example: せめて連絡してください。 (Semete renraku shite kudasai.) - At least contact me.
Use with hopes/desires
It can express a strong hope for a minimum outcome.
Example: せめて晴れてほしい。 (Semete harete hoshii.) - I hope it's at least sunny.
Consider the nuance of regret
Sometimes, せめて carries a nuance of regret for what couldn't be achieved, focusing on what could still be salvaged.
Example: せめて感謝の気持ちを伝えたい。 (Semete kansha no kimochi o tsutaetai.) - I want to at least convey my gratitude (even if I can't do more).
Example
間に合わないかもしれないが、せめて努力はしたい。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
