Comparison of "起码" and "至少"

In Chinese, both "起码" and "至少" convey the idea of minimum or at least, but they are used in slightly different contexts and with different nuances.

起码 (qǐmǎ)

"起码" is an adverb that means "at least" or "minimum." It is used to indicate the minimum requirement, standard, or expectation.

• For example: You should have at least a high school diploma for this job. - 这份工作要求起码有高中文凭。(Zhè fèn gōngzuò yāoqiú qǐmǎ yǒu gāozhōng wénpíng.)
• For example: We need at least five participants to proceed with the project. - 我们至少需要五名参与者才能继续进行这个项目。(Wǒmen zhìshǎo xūyào wǔ míng cānyùzhě cáinéng jìxù jìnxíng zhège xiàngmù.)

至少 (zhìshǎo)

"至少" is an adverb that also means "at least" or "minimum." It is used to indicate the minimum quantity, number, or amount required.

• For example: You need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. - 你每天至少要喝八杯水。(Nǐ měitiān zhìshǎo yào hē bā bēi shuǐ.)
• For example: He needs to score at least 90 points to pass the exam. - 他至少需要得90分才能通过考试。(Tā zhìshǎo xūyào dé 90 fēn cáinéng tōngguò kǎoshì.)

Main Differences

• Usage: Both "起码" and "至少" express the idea of minimum or at least, but "起码" is often used to indicate the minimum requirement or standard, while "至少" is used to indicate the minimum quantity, number, or amount required.