Meaning and Usage
"遅くとも" means "at the latest" and is used to specify the latest possible time by which something should happen. It emphasizes a deadline or limit that should not be exceeded.
Common Contexts
This phrase is often used in formal or business settings when setting deadlines or expected times. It can appear in requests, instructions, or predictions.
Collocations and Patterns
- 遅くとも + time + までに: indicates the latest time by which an action must be completed.
- Often paired with verbs like 来る (come), 提出する (submit), 出る (come out/results).
Register and Nuance
"遅くとも" is polite and formal, suitable for written communication and formal speech. It is stronger than just "までに" because it stresses the latest acceptable time.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "遅くとも" with "遅くて" which means "late and..." or "because it is late." Remember that "遅くとも" sets a deadline, not a cause or condition.