〜くらい / 〜ぐらい
kurai gurai
By Nihongo PathUpdated
This form is also taught at JLPT N4, where it carries a different sense or register.
Meaning
(1) "to the extent that ~", "so ~ that ~"; (2) "at least ~", "something as trivial as ~"; (3) an approximate amount.
Sense (1) measures degree by giving a vivid comparison. Sense (2) belittles something to say it's the least you could do. Sense (3) is simple approximation, like 十分くらい.
Sense (2) often carries a scolding tone, so use it carefully.
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
Plain form + くらい / ぐらいい-adj + くらい; な-adj + な + くらいN / quantity + くらい
Visual diagram
| Aspect | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| degree | 泣きたいくらい嬉しい | so happy I could cry |
| minimal (at least) | 挨拶くらいしなさい | at least say hello |
| approximate | 三十分くらい | about 30 minutes |
Natural examples
駅まで歩いて十分くらいかかる。
えきまであるいてじゅっぷんくらいかかる。
It takes about ten minutes to walk to the station.
自分の部屋くらい、自分で掃除しなさい。
じぶんのへやくらい、じぶんでそうじしなさい。
At the very least, clean your own room yourself.
泣きたいくらい嬉しかった。
なきたいくらいうれしかった。
I was so happy I could have cried.
疲れて、一歩も歩けないくらいだ。
つかれて、いっぽもあるけないくらいだ。
I'm so tired I can't walk another step.
立っていられないくらい疲れた。
たっていられないくらいつかれた。
I got so tired I could barely stay on my feet.
Similar grammar and the difference
Also degree, but ほど is not used for "at least / as small as". 死ぬほど and 死ぬくらい are both fine. Compare side by side
Comparison of inferiority; くらい is possible but less standard. Compare side by side
〜だけ
"Only", plain limit. くらい adds "such a small thing".
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 自分の部屋ほど自分で掃除しなさい。
- ✓
- 自分の部屋くらい自分で掃除しなさい。
- Why
- The minimal "at least" meaning belongs to くらい, not ほど.
- ✗
- 疲れて歩けないくらいです。(polite, degree) — fine; but 疲れて歩けないぐらいだです。
- ✓
- 歩けないくらいです。
- Why
- Never add だ before です; くらいです is complete.
- ✗
- 十分ほどくらいかかる。
- ✓
- 十分くらいかかる。/ 十分ほどかかる。
- Why
- Use only one approximation word.
くらい and ぐらい are interchangeable. As a degree marker, くらい is milder than ほど; 〜くらい〜はない = superlative ("nothing as ~ as"). In the superlative pattern, ほど and くらい are both used: 母の料理くらいおいしいものはない.
JLPT N3 tips
On the exam
- A blank after a noun followed by a command or complaint (〜しなさい, 〜してよ) = くらい (minimal).
- A blank after a clause before だ or an adjective = degree; くらい and ほど are often both acceptable, so the options will include only one.
- For "at least", ほど is the designed trap; choose くらい.
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい mean?
(1) "to the extent that ~", "so ~ that ~"; (2) "at least ~", "something as trivial as ~"; (3) an approximate amount. Sense (1) measures degree by giving a vivid comparison. Sense (2) belittles something to say it's the least you could do. Sense (3) is simple approximation, like 十分くらい.
How do you form 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい?
Plain form + くらい / ぐらい / い-adj + くらい; な-adj + な + くらい / N / quantity + くらい. V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい used?
Sense (2) often carries a scolding tone, so use it carefully.
What is the difference between 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい and 〜ほど?
Also degree, but ほど is not used for "at least / as small as". 死ぬほど and 死ぬくらい are both fine.
What is the difference between 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい and 〜ほど〜ない?
Comparison of inferiority; くらい is possible but less standard.
What is a common mistake with 〜くらい / 〜ぐらい?
Wrong: 自分の部屋ほど自分で掃除しなさい。 Right: 自分の部屋くらい自分で掃除しなさい。 The minimal "at least" meaning belongs to くらい, not ほど.
Quick check
自分の名前（ ）、漢字で書けるようにしなさい。