JLPT N2 Grammar: せめて (semete)

せめて (semete)

Meaning: at least; at most

How to use the: せめて + phrase

Explain:
Used to express the earnest desire of the speaker to meet his or her wishes, even at the minimum level.
せめて＝少なくとも (at least)

Example sentences:
1, 以上はタケシにとってせめてもの好運だった。
ijou wa takeshi ni totte semete mono kouun datta.
That was fortunate for Takeshi.

2, 夏はせめて一週間ぐらい休みが欲しい。
Natsu wa semete ichi-shūkan gurai yasumi ga hoshī.
In the summer, we look forward to taking at least a week off

3, 私には、嘘ばかりいうなといって喧嘩するだけの気力もなかったから、せめて目つきでそれを伝えようと努力した。
watashi ni wa, uso bakari iu na to itte kenka suru dake no kiryoku mo nakatta kara, semete metsuki de sore o tsutaeyou to doryoku shita.
I did not feel sufficiently pugnacious to tell him outright that he was a liar. I endeavored to convey it by a glance.

3, 小さくてもいい。せめて庭のある家に住みたい。
Chīsakute mo ī. Semete niwa no aru ie ni sumitai.
I want to stay in a house, although it is tight, but at least have a garden.

4, せめてあと三日あれば、もうちょっといい作品が出せるのだが。
Semete ato san-nichi areba, mō chotto ī sakuhin ga daseru nodaga.
It only takes 3 more days to complete my work

5, マリー、せめてこれぐらいしか、してあげられないけど。
marii, semete kore gurai shika shite agerarenai kedo.
Marie, this is the least I could do.