起码

起碼
qǐmǎ
adverb HSK 5 #2,463

Meanings

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

Examples

HSK 2
Nǐ qǐmǎ yīnggāi dǎ gè diànhuà gàosu tā.
You should at least give her a call.
HSK 3
Zhège gōngzuò qǐmǎ xūyào sān nián jīngyàn.
This job requires at least three years of experience.
HSK 5
Qǐmǎ de lǐmào háishi yào yǒu de.
You should at least have basic manners.

Tips

usage
起码 and 至少 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