siquiera

/see-KYEH-rah/

at least

A weary hiker placing their foot onto the lowest, first rock step of a steep mountain path, symbolizing the achievement of a minimum effort.

As an adverb, 'siquiera' often means 'at least,' referring to the minimum amount or effort required.

siquiera(Adverb)

at least?expressing a minimum amount or effort

Also:(not) even?used with 'ni' to emphasize something didn't happen

📝 In Action

Saluda siquiera cuando entres.

At least say hello when you come in.

Desearía tener siquiera la mitad de tu talento.

I wish I had at least half of your talent.

Ni siquiera me llamó para mi cumpleaños.

He didn't even call me for my birthday.

El bebé no puede siquiera sentarse solo.

The baby can't even sit up by himself.

Word Connections

Synonyms

al menos (at least)
por lo menos (at least)

Common Collocations

ni siquiera – not even
siquiera una vez – at least once

💡 Grammar Points

Setting a Minimum

Use 'siquiera' to talk about the smallest possible thing you hope for or expect. Think of it as saying 'if only...' or 'just...' to express a minimum desire.

The Power of 'Ni Siquiera'

The phrase 'ni siquiera' is incredibly common and means 'not even'. It's a strong way to show that something you might have expected to happen didn't happen at all.

❌ Common Pitfalls

One Word, Not Two

Mistake: "Me gustaría si quiera un vaso de agua."

Correction: Me gustaría siquiera un vaso de agua. 'Si quiera' (two words) means 'if he/she/it wants', while 'siquiera' (one word) means 'at least'.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Touch More Emphatic

While 'al menos' and 'por lo menos' also mean 'at least', 'siquiera' can sometimes carry a slightly more emotional or pleading tone, as if you're asking for the bare minimum.

A massive, thick stone castle gate remains completely closed and unmoving while a dramatic, powerful storm of wind and rain rages outside.

The formal use of 'siquiera' as a conjunction means 'even if' or 'although,' indicating a condition (the storm) that does not change the main reality (the immovable gate).

siquiera(Conjunction)

even if?introducing a hypothetical situation

Also:although?conceding a point, similar to 'aunque'

📝 In Action

No te creeré, siquiera me lo jures.

I won't believe you, even if you swear it to me.

Debemos respetar su decisión, siquiera no estemos de acuerdo.

We must respect their decision, although we may not agree.

Word Connections

Synonyms

aunque (although, even if)
incluso si (even if)

💡 Grammar Points

Connecting 'Even If' Ideas

This advanced use of 'siquiera' connects two ideas. The first part is a statement, and the second part (after 'siquiera') is a condition that won't change that statement. It almost always needs a special verb form (the subjunctive) after it.

⭐ Usage Tips

For Formal Moments

Using 'siquiera' to mean 'even if' is a bit like using 'albeit' or 'even though' in more formal English. It's perfect for writing or formal speeches, but might sound a little out of place in a casual chat with friends.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: siquiera

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'siquiera' to mean 'at least'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

si(if) - conjunction

querer(to want) - verb

cualquiera(any, anyone) - adjective/pronoun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'siquiera', 'al menos', and 'por lo menos'?

They all mean 'at least' and are often interchangeable. However, 'siquiera' can sometimes feel a bit more emotional or demanding, like you're asking for the bare minimum. 'Al menos' and 'por lo menos' are very neutral and are the most common ways to say 'at least' in everyday speech.

Do I always have to use 'ni' with 'siquiera' to say 'not even'?

Yes, always. The phrase is 'ni siquiera'. Just using 'siquiera' in a negative sentence doesn't mean 'not even'. For example, 'No me llamó siquiera' is less common and would mean 'He didn't call me, at least'. To say 'He didn't even call me', you must say 'Ni siquiera me llamó'.