The phrase "cuando menos" is classified as an adverbial phrase.
/k and oʊ̯n doʊ̯ ˈmen os/
"Cuando menos" is commonly used in Spanish to indicate a minimum condition or point. It expresses that, in a given situation, one expects or requires a certain level of something, implicitly suggesting that anything below that would be unacceptable or insufficient.
In terms of frequency, "cuando menos" is used in both spoken and written Spanish, although it might be slightly more prevalent in formal or written contexts where clarity regarding minimum expectations is essential.
"Cuando menos, deberías avisar antes de llegar."
"At least, you should warn us before arriving."
"Necesitamos, cuando menos, tres días para terminar el proyecto."
"We need, at the very least, three days to finish the project."
"Cuando menos, él tiene la intención de asistir a la reunión."
"At least, he intends to attend the meeting."
"Cuando menos" plays a role in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting minimum standards or expectations in different contexts. Here are a few examples:
"Cuando menos, se esfuerza por hacerlo bien."
"At least, he makes an effort to do it well."
"Cuando menos, deberíamos disfrutar del momento."
"At the very least, we should enjoy the moment."
"Yo esperaba, cuando menos, una disculpa."
"I was expecting, at the very least, an apology."
"Cuando menos, tenemos que ser pacientes con el proceso."
"At least, we have to be patient with the process."
"Cuando menos, tiene que presentarlo en esta semana."
"At least, he has to submit it this week."
The phrase "cuando menos" originates from its literal components: "cuando," meaning "when," and "menos," meaning "less." Together, they imply a condition where something is not only acknowledged but also establishes the least expected or acceptable condition in a particular context.
Synonyms: - Al menos (at least) - Por lo menos (at least)
Antonyms: - Más que (more than) - En exceso (in excess)