Structure
せめて + Phrase
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Standard
About せめて
Coming from the verb 責める, meaning to have the 'onus to do (A)', せめて is an adverb that indicates that doing (A) is the minimum expected in order to achieve some desired outcome. It is often translated simply as 'at least' in English.
せめて usually alters the meaning of an entire phrase, and will appear at the beginning of sentences.
Stemming from 責める, this structure usually implies that there is some sort of onus or responsibility to do (A), rather than (A) simply being a minimum amount. Due to this, it is often used with grammar points that express desire or opinions such as たい, ほしい, てほしい, べき, and others.
Examples
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せめてドアくらい閉めて欲しかった...。
I would have liked them to at least close the door...
親:「せめておかずだけでも食べて。」
Mother: 'At least eat your sides or something.'
せめて着替えさせてもらえませんか?びしょ濡れなんです。
Would you at least let me change? I am soaked.
いい案ではなくてもいいので、せめてアイデアだけでも出してください。
Since it is okay even if it isn't a good idea, please at least submit an idea.
楽器を寄贈させてください。せめてもの恩返しです。
Please let me give you an instrument. It is at least a repayment of the favor.
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せめて and 少なくとも
Japanese StackExchange
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[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 170
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