くらい
About / Approximately / Extent
kurai
TypeFocus
JLPT Leveln4
Summary
Indicates approximate quantity ('about') or the extent of something ('to the degree that').
Usage Rules
- •Approximate quantity: くらい/ぐらい = about/approximately
- •Extent: 〜くらい = to the extent that
- •Minimum: 〜くらい = at least
- •くらいなら: rather than (comparison)
- •ぐらい is more casual than くらい
- •Often interchangeable with ほど but くらい is more subjective
Example Sentences
10ふんぐらいかかります。
It takes about 10 minutes.
これくらいかんたんです。
It's about this easy.
しぬくらいつかれた。
I'm tired enough to die.
名前くらい書けます。
At least I can write my name.
あるいて行けるくらいちかい。
It's close enough to walk.
Common Mistake
Using くらい/ほど interchangeably in negative comparisons (ほど is preferred for negative: ほど〜ない).