적어도 vs 최소한

1. Title : Understanding '적어도' and '최소한'

2. Grammar Explanation:

• 적어도 (jeogeodo)

  • Part of Speech: Adverb

  • Meaning: "At least"

  • Usage: '적어도' is used to set a minimum limit or baseline expectation. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs but not nouns directly. It suggests that the actual amount or extent could be more, but at least this amount is expected or required.

  • Incorrect Usage: '적어도' should not be used to modify nouns directly. For example, it is incorrect to say "적어도의 비용으로 여행을 가야 해요" (We should travel with the cost at least).

최소한 (choesohan)

• Part of Speech: Adverb and Noun

• Meaning: "At least", "Minimum"

• Adverbial Usage: As an adverb, it sets a minimum expectation similar to '적어도', applicable to verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.

• Noun Usage: When used as a noun, '최소한' means "the minimum". It can be used to modify other nouns by forming the phrase '최소한의' (minimum of), e.g., '최소한의 비용' (minimum cost).

3. Example Sentences:

• 적어도:

  • 저는 적어도 일주일에 한 번은 도서관에 가요. (I go to the library at least once a week.)

  • 적어도 이번 달에는 회의가 두 번 있을 예정입니다. (There will be at least two meetings this month.)

• 최소한:

  • 최소한의 정보만 제공해도 됩니다. (You may provide only the minimum information.)

  • 그는 최소한 매일 한 시간은 운동해요. (He exercises for at least one hour every day.)

4. Sample Dialogues:

• A: 오늘 최소한 얼마나 걸릴까요? (How long will it take at the very least today?)

  B: 한 시간은 걸릴 거예요. (It will take at least an hour.)

• A: 우리 적어도 다음 주에는 만나야 해요. (We should meet next week at the very least.)

  B: 네, 그렇게 해요. (Yes, let’s do that.)

5. Make Korean Sentences from English:

• I need at least two more days to finish this project.

• At minimum, we need five more volunteers.

• I spend at least three hours a day studying Korean.

• You should drink at least two liters of water a day.

• I visit my grandparents at least once a month.

• 광호 gave the minimum sentences today.