好歹
at least; anyway (settling for the minimum); (有个好歹) if anything should happen
Structure
（不够理想的情况） ， 主语 好歹 动词（最起码的一步；劝人时：吃一点、喝一口）
What it means
Settles for the minimum: things fell short, but at least this much is done or true. In requests it coaxes someone to do at least a little.
How it is built
Shortfall clause + subject + 好歹 + verb (often 是 or 有): 房子虽然小，好歹是自己的家 (The flat is small, but at least it is our own home).
When to use it
Spoken and warm, often when coaxing: 好歹吃一点. Formal writing uses 至少 or 起码. As a noun, 万一有个好歹 gently means 'if anything should happen', and 不知好歹 is 'not to know what is good for you'.
Watch out
Unlike 至少, it cannot stand straight before a number or noun. ✗ 好歹三个人 ✓ 好歹来了三个人 / 至少三个人. Put it before the verb.
Examples
在国外读书的妹妹回不来，好歹在网上给祖母献了一束花。
My younger sister, who is studying abroad, could not come back, but at least she laid a bunch of flowers for Grandmother online.
你一天没吃东西了，好歹喝口粥吧。
You haven’t eaten all day: at least have a little congee.
房子虽然小，好歹是自己的家。
The flat may be small, but at least it is a home of our own.
Learn this in Lesson 44 · HSK 5–6: 白事与清明 (Funerals and remembering the dead)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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