Sedikitnya

Sedikitnya is an Indonesian adverbial determiner that expresses a minimum quantity, extent, or frequency. It roughly corresponds to the English phrases "at least" or "no fewer than." The form combines sedikit (a little, few) with the suffix -nya, producing a marker of threshold rather than an exact count.

Usage and function: Sedikitnya is typically placed before a numeral and a noun to specify a minimum number, or it can appear with the noun phrase to indicate a lower bound in a statement. Examples include: Sedikitnya dua puluh orang hadir di rapat itu (at least twenty people attended the meeting) and Jumlah peserta sedikitnya lima puluh orang (the number of participants is at least fifty people). The expression can also modify a clause or be used in predicative constructions such as Jumlahnya sedikitnya dua puluh orang.

Register and nuance: Sedikitnya is common in formal writing, journalism, and official statements, where a clear minimum threshold is desired. In everyday speech, speakers may prefer setidaknya or minimal, which can carry a similar meaning but with different nuance or tone. Sedikitnya emphasizes the lower bound of a quantity or frequency and does not specify the exact total unless accompanied by a numeral or contextual clarification.

Related terms: Setidaknya, minimal, and paling tidak are related expressions used to convey a minimum or lower bound, with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.