少なくとも【すくなくとも】

少なくとも means "at least". In front of a number or amount it sets the lowest figure, often with は after the number; in front of a statement it marks the minimum you can say or expect.

Before a statement, it narrows what you claim to the part you are sure of.

The word comes from すくない少ない, and in speech すくなくて少なくても means the same. さいてい最低でも is the blunt everyday way to give a minimum number.

少なくとも or せめて

せめて is "at least" as a wish or a request: the speaker has given up on more and asks for the minimum. It does not go with an estimate or a fact, where 少なくとも is the word.

• × せめて１０人は来ると思います → 少なくとも１０人は来ると思います