quando menos

[KWAN-du ME-nus]

adverbial phrase

at least

1. Used to indicate the minimum or lowest amount/expectation in a situation

When you arrive, call me at least to let me know you're safe.

Quando chegar, me ligue quando menos para avisar que está bem.

2. To express that something is better than nothing or serves a basic purpose

This job pays poorly, but at least it covers my rent.

Este trabalho paga mal, mas quando menos cobre meu aluguel.

3. In unexpected situations or moments

He showed up when I least expected it.

Ele apareceu quando menos esperava.

NYC Slang

at the very least

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

pelo menos

More commonly used in everyday speech than 'quando menos'

Portugal

quando menos / pelo menos

Both forms are used, with 'quando menos' being more formal or literary

São Paulo

pelo menos

Preferred in casual conversation

pelo menos uma vez

quando menos se espera

ao menos isso

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