I'm learning
فارسی
دست کم — meaning in English: At least
dast kam · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
At least
مشکل
moshkel
تجسم
tajassom
عدالت
'adālat
دست کم
dast kam
تعارف
ta'ārof
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Persian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'دست کم' in situations where they want to express a minimum expectation or requirement. For example, a teacher might say, 'You need to study دست کم three hours a week to pass the course,' or friends discussing plans might agree, 'We should invite دست کم five people to the party to make it fun.' This phrase is commonly used in both casual conversations and more serious discussions.
Synonyms & nuances
'دست کم' can be compared to the phrase 'حداقل' (had-a-kam), which also means 'at least.' However, 'دست کم' carries a more conversational tone, making it more suitable for everyday dialogue, whereas 'حداقل' might be used in more formal contexts or written language. Choose 'دست کم' when you want to sound relatable and approachable.
Culture
The phrase 'دست کم' literally translates to 'at hand, at least,' and reflects a cultural tendency to emphasize minimum standards. In Persian-speaking cultures, setting a minimum expectation can signify humility, suggesting that achieving more is always encouraged but that a baseline should be established. This can be seen in various aspects of Persian literature where characters often strive to meet or exceed societal expectations.
FAQ
