Por lo menos
Example: Necesito por lo menos cinco minutos para terminar esto.
Definition
"Por lo menos" is a Spanish expression used to indicate a minimum quantity or requirement, meaning 'at least.' It emphasizes that the stated amount or condition is the smallest acceptable or necessary, as in the phrase 'Necesito por lo menos cinco minutos para terminar esto.'
Etymology
The expression "por lo menos" comes from combining 'por,' meaning 'for' or 'by,' with 'lo menos,' meaning 'the least.' Together, they form a phrase that literally translates to 'for the least,' which evolved to mean 'at least' in English. Did you know this phrase is widely used to set minimum expectations in everyday conversations?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Por lo menos" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (B1) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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