起码 qǐmǎ at the minimum
at the minimum; at the very least
How to remember 起码: 起 rise up + 码 number = at the minimum.
Characters
How it is used
- At the very least / minimum - 起码要三天 (qǐmǎ yào sān tiān) it'll take at least three days; 起码的礼貌 (qǐmǎ de lǐmào) basic courtesy.
- Colloquial; both as an adverb ('at minimum') and adjective ('minimal/basic').
- Near 至少 (zhìshǎo, at least); 起码 is more spoken and can also mean 'basic/fundamental' as a modifier.
Example sentences
- 这张沙发起码可以坐三个人。 Zhèzhāng shāfā qǐmǎ kěyǐ zuò sāngè rén.This sofa can seat three people easily.