起码

起碼

qǐmǎ

adverb HSK 5 #2,463

Meanings

1 at the very least; at minimum
2 basic; minimum (as adjective)

Characters

to start; to rise; beginning

number; code; yard (measure)

Starting number — the minimum baseline.

Examples

你起码应该打个电话告诉她。

Nǐ qǐmǎ yīnggāi dǎ gè diànhuà gàosu tā.

You should at least give her a call.

这个工作起码需要三年经验。

Zhège gōngzuò qǐmǎ xūyào sānnián jīngyàn.

This job requires at least three years of experience.

起码的礼貌还是要有的。

Qǐmǎ de lǐmào háishi yào yǒude.

You should at least have basic manners.

你起码得学一年中文。

Nǐ qǐmǎ děi xué yī niánzhōng wén.

You need to study Chinese for at least a year.

Tips

usage

起码 and 至少 (zhìshǎo) both mean 'at least,' but 起码 is slightly more colloquial. 起码 can also be used as an adjective meaning 'basic/minimum': 起码的要求 (basic requirements), 起码的常识 (basic common sense).

Stroke Order

起 qǐ

码 mǎ