al menos
Lemma Details
Translation: at least; at the very least; at minimum
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to) with the definite article 'el' (the), which contract to form 'al', plus the adjective 'menos' (less, fewer). The construction parallels the English 'at least' where both languages use a preposition followed by a word indicating diminishment or minimality.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'al' as 'at' and 'menos' as 'less' to remember 'at least'
- Visualize a scale with 'al menos' marking the minimum acceptable point
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is used frequently in everyday Spanish conversation and writing. It's often used to express a minimum expectation or to look on the bright side of a situation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'at least' but 'por lo menos' is slightly more emphatic and can sometimes be used in different contexts.
Notes: These phrases are often interchangeable, but 'por lo menos' sometimes carries a slightly stronger tone of consolation.
Mnemonic: 'Al menos' is shorter and more direct, like a quick 'at least', while 'por lo menos' has more words and can feel more emphatic.
Explanation: 'Al menos' means 'at least' while 'a menos que' means 'unless'.
Notes: These phrases look similar but have completely different meanings and grammatical functions.
Mnemonic: 'Al menos' has one word ('al') while 'a menos que' has three separate words and introduces a condition.