vähimmillään

vähimmillään is a Finnish adverb that translates to "at least" or "in the least." It is used to indicate a minimum amount or degree, often implying that the actual quantity or extent could be greater. This adverb is frequently employed in everyday conversation and formal writing to set a lower bound for a statement or expectation.

For example, one might say "Tarvitsen vähimmillään kaksi tuntia aikaa" which means "I need at least two hours." This suggests that two hours is the minimum requirement, and more time might be necessary. Similarly, "Tilanne on vähimmillään huolestuttava" translates to "The situation is at least worrying." This implies that while it is definitely worrying, it could potentially be more serious.

The adverb vähimmillään is derived from the superlative form of the adjective "vähäinen," meaning "little" or "small." The suffix "-llään" indicates the adessive case, conveying a sense of "at" or "in" the minimal state. Understanding its usage is key to grasping nuanced expressions of quantity and degree in the Finnish language. It helps to convey a sense of minimum requirement without precluding the possibility of a higher occurrence.