～せめて
semete
At least
Formation 接続
Full formation notes
せめて + minimum wish／request
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation 説明
States a minimum wish or request when a better outcome is unavailable.
Examples 例文
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忙しくても、せめて一度は資料を確認してほしい。
Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least check the documents once.
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忙しくても、せめて一度は先生に相談してほしい。
Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least consult the teacher once.
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忙しくても、せめて一度は計画を見直してほしい。
Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least review the plan once.
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忙しくても、せめて一度は会場を下見してほしい。
Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least inspect the venue beforehand once.
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忙しくても、せめて一度は十分に練習してほしい。
Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least practice thoroughly once.
How related patterns differ 比較
ばいいのに can advise or regret; せめて sets a minimum and なるべく the best feasible effort. あえて deliberately acts despite difficulty. くらいなら prefers an alternative; くらいで treats a reason as minor, てまで marks an extreme price, and ないまでも lowers a requirement.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～せめて | At least | 忙しくても、せめて一度は資料を確認してほしい。 Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least check the documents once. |
| 〜ばいいのに | If only; why don't you | 早めに資料を確認すればいいのに。 If only you would check the documents sooner. |
| ～なるべく | As much as possible; if possible | なるべく早く資料を確認してください。 Please check the documents as soon as possible. |
| ～あえて | Dare to; deliberately despite objections | 反対はあったが、あえて会議の延期を提案した。 Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the meeting. |
| ～思うように | As one wishes; as expected | 資料を確認しても、思うように進まなかった。 Even after checking the documents, things did not progress as I had hoped. |
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