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March 24, 2026
起码(起碼)qǐmǎ(qi3ma3)
起码 (qǐ mǎ) refers to the least amount or minimum requirement in a situation. It is commonly used to express the idea that something is the bare minimum expected or necessary, often in contexts such as standards, conditions, or expectations.
Frequency#2463DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting minimum expectations is often linked to concepts of responsibility and accountability, especially in educational and professional contexts, where meeting basic standards is crucial for success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a starting line (起) that marks the minimum distance you must run (码) in a race. If you don't reach this line, you cannot continue. This visual of needing to meet the minimum requirement helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 起码.
Meanings of 起码
qǐmǎ(qi3ma3)
1at the minimum
2at the very least
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 起码
起码Simplified
起碼Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#2463Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 起码
Podcast: 起码
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AI Study Notes for 起码
Quick Contrast
最低 (zuìdī) — use 起码 when emphasizing the minimum expectation rather than just the lowest point.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a starting line (起) that marks the minimum distance you must run (码) in a race. If you don't reach this line, you cannot continue. This visual of needing to meet the minimum requirement helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 起码.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 起码 with similar expressions like 至少 (zhì shǎo), which also means 'at least' but can carry different nuances. While 起码 is more focused on minimum expectations, 至少 often emphasizes a broader level of sufficiency. It's used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 起码 connects with other advanced vocabulary discussing standards and comparisons. Students should practice using it in sentences that express minimum expectations to solidify their understanding and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting minimum expectations is often linked to concepts of responsibility and accountability, especially in educational and professional contexts, where meeting basic standards is crucial for success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 起码 when they mean 'at least' in a casual context instead of using 至少. For example, saying '起码我会来' (I will at least come) is awkward; it’s better to say '至少我会来.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 起码
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Grammar Patterns of 起码
起码 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
别的不说，道格____是个精明务实的商人。
If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.
Example Sentences for 起码 (7)
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1
别的不说，道格起码是个精明务实的商人。
bié de bù shuō， ， dào gé qǐ mǎ shì gè jīng míng wù shí de shāng。
If nothing else, Doug is a hard-nosed businessman.
2
警方说他的死是个意外，起码官方消息如此。
jǐng fāng shuō tā de sǐ shì gè yì wài， ， qǐ mǎ guān fāng xiāo xī rú。
The police say his death was an accident, officially at least.
3
英国许多海滩连最起码的卫生标准都达不倒。
yīng guó xǔ duō hǎi tān lián zuì qǐ mǎ de wèi shēng biāo zhǔn dū dá bù dǎo。
Many of Britain's beaches fail to meet minimum standards of cleanliness.
4
她的举止显示她连起码的礼节都不懂。
tā de jǔ zhǐ xiǎn shì tā lián qǐ mǎ de lǐ jié dū bù dǒng。
Her behaviour showed a total lack of common decency .
5
起码俱乐部能使年轻人不在街上乱逛了.
qǐ mǎ jù lè bù néng shǐ nián qīng rén bù zài jiē shàng luàn guàng le.
At least the club keeps the young people off the streets.
6
这趟旅行起码得10天.
zhè tàng lǚ háng qǐ mǎ dé10 10.
The trip will take ten days, at least.
7
“ 她起码该顾点大体,不在吃饭的时候给他打电话嘛.
“ “ tā qǐ mǎ gāi gù diǎn dà, tǐ , bù zài chī fàn de shí hòu gěi tā dǎ diàn.
'she might have the decency not to telephone him at dinner time.
Cultural Notes for 起码
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, setting minimum expectations is often linked to concepts of responsibility and accountability, especially in educational and professional contexts, where meeting basic standards is crucial for success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 起码
Yes, 起码 is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various types of communication.
Not necessarily; it can be used neutrally to indicate what is simply expected, not just as a criticism.
While both mean 'at least,' 起码 emphasizes a minimum standard, whereas 最少 can refer to a quantitative minimum.
