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I would like to know if there are other ways to say "at least~" (context below), along with the relevant nuances of each way.

This is for a piece of writing I'm doing where for the sake of style I want to avoid using the same phrase too many times. That said, please do include answers that may only be suitable for speech or conversation.

I am referring to "at least~" as used in the following context:

It looks like I won't be able to return to Japan for at least 6 months
少なくとも６ヶ月の間日本に帰れないみたいです。

(in other words I'm not looking for answers referring to phrases like せめて〜, which translates to a different meaning of the English phrase "at least")

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2 Answers 2

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  • 最短で "for the shortest"
  • 少なく見積もって "under the least/shortest estimate"
  • は as in 六か月は
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  • Also, 以上, for example 6ヶ月以上.
    – Jesse Good
    Commented Apr 12, 2012 at 1:58
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    @Jesse I could be wrong, but the nuance of 以上 seems different, like "for more than 6 months" rather than "at least 6 months", so not really what I'm looking for.
    – ジョン
    Commented Apr 12, 2012 at 13:01
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    @ジョン It does not mean more than six months. It means six months or more, which is the same as at least six months, distegarding the implication.
    – user458
    Commented Apr 12, 2012 at 14:07
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    @sawa Sorry for the confusion. The implication you mention is what I was referring to in my comment, but I see that I phrased it poorly. That's why 以上 seems less suitable to me than the examples in your answer. For future reference am I correct in thinking this or am I making a mistake?
    – ジョン
    Commented Apr 12, 2012 at 14:36
  • @ジョン I agree with you about the implication. You are right.
    – user458
    Commented Apr 12, 2012 at 14:40
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I would say "最低（さいてい:lowest）６ヶ月".

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