When you want to say "about" or "approximately" in Japanese, you can use the particle "〜くらい" (kurai).
For example, if you want to say "about three o'clock," you would say "三時くらい" (san-ji kurai). It's a useful way to express estimations or approximations.
You can also use it to indicate the extent of something, like "to the extent that I can understand."
This particle is quite versatile and can be used with various words to express an approximate quantity, time, or degree.
When you want to say "about" or "approximately" in Japanese, you can use the particle "くらい" (kurai). You attach it to a number or quantity to indicate an estimate. For example, if you want to say "about 30 minutes," you would say "30分くらい" (san-juppun kurai). It's also used to describe the extent of something, like "so much that..." or "to the point where...".
When used with numbers or quantities, 〜くらい indicates an approximation. For example, 3時間くらい means "about 3 hours."
It can also express the extent or degree of something. For instance, 死ぬくらい疲れた means "I'm tired to the point of death."
You'll often hear it in everyday conversations when people are estimating or generalizing. It's a very flexible and common particle.
Understanding 〜くらい will significantly improve your ability to express nuanced meanings in Japanese, making your conversations sound much more natural.
When used with a noun or a verb in its dictionary form, 〜くらい indicates an approximate quantity or extent. For example, 「３０分くらい」 (sanjuppun kurai) means "about 30 minutes." It can also be used to express a degree or level, like 「子供でも分かるくらい簡単」 (kodomo demo wakaru kurai kantan), meaning "easy enough for even a child to understand."
You'll often see it used to suggest a minimum required amount or condition, such as 「お茶くらい飲んでいけば？」 (ocha kurai nonde ikeba?), which implies "Why don't you at least drink some tea before you go?" This usage subtly suggests that the action is a small or easy thing to do. It can also indicate a comparison, highlighting something as being on a similar level or having a comparable quality. For instance, 「大人くらい食べる」 (otona kurai taberu) means "eats as much as an adult."
When used with numbers or quantities, 〜くらい indicates an approximation, similar to "about" or "approximately" in English. For example, 3時くらい means "around 3 o'clock."
It can also be used to express a degree or extent, translating to "to the extent that" or "so much that." For instance, 死ぬくらい疲れた means "I'm so tired I could die."
Furthermore, 〜くらい can compare two things, suggesting one is comparable in degree or amount to the other. For example, 子供でもできるくらい簡単です means "It's so easy that even a child can do it."
Finally, when indicating a minimum standard or lower limit, it can mean "at least" or "even." For instance, 挨拶くらいはしてください means "At least say hello."
〜くらい en 30 segundos
- approximate quantity
- extent or degree
- comparison
§ Understanding ~くらい
The Japanese particle 〜くらい (~kurai) is a very useful word to express approximation. It can mean "about," "approximately," or "to the extent that." It attaches to nouns, quantities, and even entire clauses to add a sense of estimation or degree. Mastering 〜くらい will significantly improve your ability to express nuanced ideas in Japanese.
§ Using ~くらい with Nouns and Quantities
When 〜くらい is used with nouns or quantities, it indicates an approximate amount or duration. It's similar to saying "about" or "around" in English.
- Grammar Point
- Noun + くらい
東京までくらいかかる？ (Toukyou made kurai kakaru?)
Hint: How long does it take to Tokyo?
彼は毎日３時間くらい日本語を勉強します。 (Kare wa mainichi san jikan kurai Nihongo o benkyou shimasu.)
Hint: He studies Japanese for about 3 hours every day.
§ Expressing Extent with ~くらい
〜くらい can also indicate the degree or extent of something. In this usage, it often follows a verb or an adjective, describing "to the extent that" or "so much that."
- Grammar Point
- Verb/Adjective (plain form) + くらい
お腹が空いて死にそうくらいです。 (Onaka ga suite shinisou kurai desu.)
Hint: I'm so hungry I could die.
あの映画は涙が出るくらい感動的だった。 (Ano eiga wa namida ga deru kurai kandouteki datta.)
Hint: That movie was so moving that it made me cry.
§ Comparing with ~くらい
You can also use 〜くらい to make comparisons, implying "as much as" or "to the same extent as."
- Grammar Point
- Noun + くらい + Noun + はない
あなたくらい親切な人はいない。 (Anata kurai shinsetsu na hito wa inai.)
Hint: There's no one as kind as you.
日本語を話すのと同じくらい漢字が難しい。 (Nihongo o hanasu no to onaji kurai kanji ga muzukashii.)
Hint: Kanji is as difficult as speaking Japanese.
§ Key Takeaways for ~くらい
- 〜くらい indicates approximation when used with quantities or nouns.
- It expresses the extent or degree of something when paired with verbs or adjectives.
- 〜くらい can be used for comparisons, meaning "as much as."
- Pay attention to context to understand the exact nuance of 〜くらい in a sentence.
§ Don't confuse 〜くらい with 〜ぐらい
Many learners get confused between 〜くらい and 〜ぐらい. Here's the deal: they are pretty much interchangeable. You can use either one and native speakers will understand you just fine. However, there's a slight nuance:
- 〜くらい (kurai): Often used in written Japanese or in more formal speech. It can also imply a sense of comparison or a degree of something.
- 〜ぐらい (gurai): More common in casual spoken Japanese.
§ Using 〜くらい for exact measurements
〜くらい is for approximations, not exact measurements. If you know the precise amount, don't use 〜くらい. For example, if you know you need exactly 500 grams of flour, you wouldn't say 500グラムくらい. You'd just say 500グラム.
- Wrong Example
- このケーキには砂糖が200グラムくらい必要です。
(This cake needs about 200 grams of sugar. - If 200g is the exact amount)
このケーキには砂糖が200グラム必要です。
(This cake needs 200 grams of sugar.)
Use 〜くらい when you're estimating, or when the exact amount isn't critical.
§ Forgetting the particle before 〜くらい
When 〜くらい modifies a noun phrase, it usually follows a noun directly, but sometimes it might follow a particle depending on the context. However, a common mistake is to omit necessary particles that would normally precede the noun if 〜くらい wasn't there.
- Example of a common mistake
- 東京まで新幹線で2時間くらいかかる。
(It takes about 2 hours by Shinkansen to Tokyo. - Grammatically correct, but let's look at another context)
Consider sentences where 〜くらい indicates the extent of an action or state. While it often attaches directly to nouns or counters, sometimes it needs a particle to make sense, especially when expressing "to the extent that..." or "as much as...".
彼くらい日本語が上手になりたい。
(I want to become as good at Japanese as him.)
Here, 〜くらい follows directly after 彼. If you were to say "I want to become good at Japanese like him," you might use 〜のように. But with 〜くらい, it expresses the extent of skill. Just be mindful of when particles might be necessary before 〜くらい depending on the nuance you want to convey, especially with verbs.
眠すぎて、立ったくらいで寝てしまいそうだ。
(I'm so sleepy, I feel like I'll fall asleep even standing up.)
In this example, 立つ (to stand) is in its past tense (立った) and then 〜くらい is added. This shows the extent of sleepiness. Pay attention to how 〜くらい is attached to verbs or verb phrases.
§ ～くらい (kurai) vs. ～ぐらい (gurai)
You've probably noticed that sometimes it's written as 「くらい」 and sometimes as 「ぐらい」. What's the difference? There isn't one. They are exactly the same word with the same meaning and usage. The pronunciation changes due to a linguistic phenomenon called rendaku (連濁), where the initial consonant of the second part of a compound word becomes voiced. So, when it follows certain sounds, 「くらい」 becomes 「ぐらい」. You don't need to worry too much about when to use which — Japanese speakers instinctively apply rendaku. Just be aware that you might hear both.
§ ～くらい (kurai) vs. ～ほど (hodo)
「～くらい」 and 「～ほど」 are very similar and often interchangeable when expressing approximation. However, there are subtle differences in nuance and common usage that are good to know.
- Approximation
- Both can mean 'about' or 'approximately'.
僕は１時間くらい待った。
I waited for about an hour.
僕は１時間ほど待った。
I waited for about an hour.
In these cases, they are often interchangeable. However, there are situations where one is more natural or even exclusively used.
- Degree / Extent
- Both can express 'to the extent that' or 'so much that'.
忙しすぎて眠る時間もないくらいだ。
I'm so busy that I don't even have time to sleep.
忙しすぎて眠る時間もないほどだ。
I'm so busy that I don't even have time to sleep.
Again, quite similar here. So, what's the difference?
～ほど (hodo) often implies a comparison or a standard. It can mean 'as much as' or 'to the point of'. It's frequently used with negative statements to mean 'not as...as'.
昨日ほど寒くない。
It's not as cold as yesterday.彼は私ほど本を読まない。
He doesn't read books as much as I do.～くらい (kurai) can also imply a minimal or negligible amount. You'll often hear it in phrases like 「～くらいなら」 (“if it's just about...” or “at least...”), suggesting something is easily doable or a small deal.
それくらいなら私にもできる。
If it's just that much, even I can do it. (Meaning: that's a small amount/task)勉強ぐらいしてくれるくらいはあるだろう。
You should at least study.
§ ～くらい (kurai) vs. ～約 (yaku)
- FORMALITY
- 「～約」 (yaku) is a more formal way to express 'approximately' or 'about', especially in written Japanese or formal spoken contexts. It functions as an adverb and is placed directly before the quantity.
会議は約２時間で終了します。
The meeting will end in approximately 2 hours.
「～くらい」 is more conversational and versatile. While you can use 「約」 in daily conversation, it might sound a bit stiff depending on the situation.
会議は２時間くらいで終わります。
The meeting will end in about 2 hours.
How Formal Is It?
"これは１時間くらいかかります。 (Kore wa ichi-jikan kurai kakarimasu.) It takes about one hour."
"20歳くらいの女性 (Nijusai kurai no josei.) A woman about 20 years old."
"英語くらい話せるよ。(Eigo kurai hanaseru yo.) I can speak at least English."
"あとどれくらい？ (Ato dore kurai?) How much more is left?"
"それくらい分かるし。(Sore kurai wakaru shi.) I know that much already."
Dato curioso
The kanji for くらい (位) is the same as the 'i' in 位 (いち) 'position' or 段階 (だんかい) 'grade'.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing it as 'kurai' with a long 'u' sound.
Gramática que debes saber
Can indicate approximate quantity or degree when attached to numbers or quantities.
彼らは2時間くらい待ちました。 (They waited for about 2 hours.)
Can indicate an approximate range or extent when attached to nouns or phrases.
東京タワーくらい高いビルです。 (It's a building as tall as Tokyo Tower.)
Can be used to express a minimum degree or extent, often with negative nuances.
そんなことくらい知っています。 (I know at least that much.)
Can be used to express an opinion or judgment about the extent of something, often with '〜と思う' (to think).
これくらいでいいと思います。 (I think this much is fine.)
When used with a verb in its plain form, it can indicate 'to the extent that' or 'so much that'.
嬉しくて飛び上がるくらいだった。 (I was so happy I almost jumped up.)
Ejemplos por nivel
毎日3時間ぐらい日本語を勉強します。
I study Japanese for about 3 hours every day.
東京から大阪まで新幹線で2時間半ぐらいかかります。
It takes about two and a half hours from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen.
この本は2000円ぐらいです。
This book costs about 2000 yen.
私の家から駅まで歩いて10分ぐらいです。
It's about a 10-minute walk from my house to the station.
私は猫を2匹ぐらい飼っています。
I have about two cats.
パーティーには30人ぐらい来ると思います。
I think about 30 people will come to the party.
昨日、8時間ぐらい寝ました。
Yesterday, I slept for about 8 hours.
この漢字は5回ぐらい書けば覚えられます。
If you write this kanji about 5 times, you can remember it.
一時間くらいかかります。
It takes about an hour.
Used with a duration of time.
五人くらい来ました。
About five people came.
Used with a quantity of people.
この本は二千円くらいです。
This book is about 2000 yen.
Used with an amount of money.
私くらい日本語が話せますか。
Can you speak Japanese as well as me?
Used to compare ability or extent.
疲れていて、もう歩けないくらいです。
I'm so tired, I can't walk anymore.
Used to express the extent of a state.
子供くらいの高さです。
It's about the height of a child.
Used to indicate approximate size or height.
どれくらい時間がかかりますか。
How much time will it take?
Used in a question to ask about quantity or extent.
毎日、コーヒーを三杯くらい飲みます。
I drink about three cups of coffee every day.
Used with a frequency and quantity.
毎日3時間くらい日本語を勉強しています。
I study Japanese for about three hours every day.
東京から大阪まで新幹線で2時間半くらいかかります。
It takes about two and a half hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka.
この本は2000円くらいです。
This book costs around 2000 yen.
彼がどれくらい日本語が話せるか知っていますか？
Do you know to what extent he can speak Japanese?
昨日、8時間くらい寝ました。
Yesterday, I slept for about eight hours.
駅まで歩いて15分くらいです。
It's about a 15-minute walk to the station.
そのニュースを聞いて、泣きそうなくらい悲しかった。
Hearing that news, I was so sad that I almost cried.
この料理は辛すぎて、食べられないくらいです。
This dish is so spicy that I can't eat it.
その問題の解決には、少なくともあと二週間くらいかかるだろう。
Solving that problem will probably take at least about two more weeks.
Here, 〜くらい adds a sense of approximation to the duration 'two weeks'.
彼女の才能は、他の追随を許さないくらい突出している。
Her talent is so exceptional that others can't even come close to following her.
〜くらい modifies the degree of 'exceptional', meaning 'to the extent that others can't follow'.
この本を読むくらいなら、何もせずにぼーっとする方がましだ。
If it's about reading this book, I'd rather do nothing and just space out.
〜くらいなら expresses a strong preference for an alternative, implying that the initial option is undesirable.
人生で一度くらいは、本気で何かに打ち込んでみたいものだ。
I'd like to dedicate myself seriously to something at least once in my life.
一度くらい means 'at least once' or 'about once', indicating a minimum frequency.
昨夜は疲れて、ベッドに入った瞬間くらいにはもう眠っていた。
Last night I was so tired, I was already asleep around the moment I got into bed.
瞬間くらいには emphasizes the immediacy of falling asleep, meaning 'approximately at the moment'.
彼の話を聞くくらいなら、自分で調べた方が早いだろう。
If it's about listening to his story, it would probably be faster to research it myself.
Similar to 〜くらいなら, expressing a preference for self-research over listening to him due to efficiency.
このプロジェクトを成功させるには、全身全霊を傾けるくらいの覚悟が必要だ。
To make this project a success, you need the resolve to dedicate your whole being to it.
全身全霊を傾けるくらいの覚悟 means 'a resolve to the extent of dedicating your whole being'.
毎日これくらい運動すれば、健康を維持できるだろう。
If you exercise about this much every day, you'll probably be able to maintain your health.
これくらい refers to 'about this much' or 'this extent' of exercise, often accompanied by a gesture or context.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
日本語を一年くらい勉強しています。
I have been studying Japanese for about a year.
東京から大阪まで新幹線で2時間半くらいかかります。
It takes about two and a half hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka.
このラーメンは500円くらいです。
This ramen is about 500 yen.
彼は私と同じくらい背が高いです。
He is about as tall as me.
この問題は子供でもわかるくらい簡単です。
This problem is easy enough for even a child to understand.
疲れていて、もうこれくらいで終わりたい。
I'm tired, so I want to finish around here (this much).
どのくらい日本語が話せますか。
How much Japanese can you speak?
毎日ジョギングをしていますか。はい、毎日くらいです。
Do you jog every day? Yes, almost every day.
このお店はいつも混んでいる。今日もいつもくらい混んでいる。
This shop is always crowded. Today it's about as crowded as usual.
忙しすぎて、寝る時間もないくらいです。
I'm so busy that I don't even have time to sleep.
Se confunde a menudo con
All of these words (くらい, ばかり, ほど, およそ, だいたい) can be used to express approximation of quantity, time, or degree. The key is understanding the subtle nuances and grammatical roles each plays.
Both くらい and ほど are particularly used to express the degree or extent of something, but ほど often implies comparison or a stronger sense of 'to the extent that.'
A common point of confusion is distinguishing between adverbs like およそ and だいたい (which modify verbs or clauses) and particles like くらい, ばかり, and ほど (which attach to nouns or phrases).
Patrones gramaticales
Fácil de confundir
Like くらい, ばかり can indicate approximation or 'about.' However, ばかり often implies 'only' or 'just,' suggesting a limit or exclusivity, or that something has just happened. くらい is more neutral.
ばかり (ばかり) often carries a sense of 'only,' 'just,' or 'nothing but,' focusing on exclusivity or recency. くらい (くらい) is a more general particle for approximation or degree.
彼かれはゲームばかりしている。 (He's only playing games.)
Structurally and functionally, ぐらい is very similar to くらい. In fact, they are often interchangeable, leading to confusion about when to use which.
In many contexts, くらい and ぐらい are interchangeable. Some grammarians suggest ぐらい might be slightly more common in spoken Japanese, or くらい for expressing a minimum degree. However, the distinction is often subtle and can vary by region or speaker.
３時間さんじかんぐらいかかります。(It takes about 3 hours.)
ほど also expresses degree or extent, similar to くらい. It can mean 'about' or 'approximately,' but it also has a strong comparative nuance, meaning 'to the extent of' or 'as much as.'
ほど (ほど) often implies comparison or a maximum degree, like 'no more than' or 'as much as.' くらい (くらい) is more about general approximation or a minimum extent.
こんなに疲つかれたのは死しぬほどだ。(I'm tired to death.)
およそ is an adverb that means 'approximately' or 'about,' directly overlapping with one of くらいの's core meanings. The confusion arises from using an adverb vs. a particle.
およそ (およそ) is an adverb used to modify verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses, indicating an approximate quantity or time. くらい (くらい) is a particle that attaches to nouns, numbers, or phrases to indicate degree, extent, or approximation.
およそ１０分ぷんかかります。(It takes approximately 10 minutes.)
だいたい is another adverb meaning 'about,' 'mostly,' or 'generally,' which can seem similar to くらい when expressing approximation.
だいたい (だいたい) is an adverb often used to describe the general state or gist of something, or a rough approximation. くらい (くらい) is a particle specifying the degree or extent relative to a noun or quantity.
だいたい分わかりました。(I mostly understood it.)
Patrones de oraciones
Xくらい
これくらいです。 (It's about this much.)
Xくらいあります
東京から大阪まで500キロくらいあります。 (It's about 500 kilometers from Tokyo to Osaka.)
Xくらいかかる
東京から大阪まで2時間くらいかかります。 (It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo to Osaka.)
XくらいY
毎日8時間くらい寝ます。 (I sleep about 8 hours every day.)
Verb-dictionary form くらい
泣きたいくらい嬉しい。 (I'm so happy I could cry.)
Noun くらい
子供でもできるくらい簡単です。 (It's easy enough that even a child can do it.)
〜くらいなら
そんなことするくらいなら、死んだほうがましだ。 (If I'm going to do something like that, I'd rather die.)
〜くらいだ / 〜くらいです
疲れて、何もできないくらいです。 (I'm so tired that I can't do anything.)
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Cómo usarlo
The particle 〜くらい (kurai) indicates approximation in terms of quantity, degree, or extent. It can follow nouns, quantities, and even some verbs. It's often used with numbers to mean 'about' or 'approximately'. For example, 1時間くらい (ichi-jikan kurai) means 'about one hour'. When used with an adjective or verb, it can express 'to the extent that' or 'so much that'. For instance, 疲れるくらい働いた (tsukareru kurai hataraita) means 'I worked to the extent that I got tired'. You'll also hear it as 〜ぐらい (gurai), especially in spoken Japanese; they are interchangeable.
A common mistake is confusing 〜くらい with 〜ほど (hodo). While both can express 'about' or 'approximately', 〜ほど often implies a comparison or a negative nuance of 'not as much as'. For example, 彼くらい速い (kare kurai hayai) means 'as fast as him' (or 'about as fast as him'), whereas 彼ほど速くない (kare hodo hayakunai) means 'not as fast as him'. Another mistake is using 〜くらい for exact measurements; it's strictly for approximations. For instance, you wouldn't say 正確に10時くらい (seikaku ni juuji kurai) for 'exactly 10 o'clock'.
Consejos
When to use 〜くらい
Use 〜くらい when you want to express an approximate quantity or degree. It's similar to saying "about" or "approximately" in English.
Attaching to nouns and numbers
You can attach 〜くらい directly to nouns or numbers. For example, 「３時間くらい」 (san jikan kurai) means "about three hours".
Attaching to verbs
When attaching to verbs, use the plain form of the verb before 〜くらい. This expresses the extent or degree of an action. For example, 「食べるくらい」 (taberu kurai) means "to the extent of eating".
Interchangeable with 〜ぐらい
〜くらい and 〜ぐらい are generally interchangeable and mean the same thing. You'll hear both in natural conversation. Don't worry too much about the difference for now.
Don't confuse with 〜ごろ
While both express approximation, 〜ごろ is specifically used for approximate points in time (e.g., 「３時ごろ」 - about 3 o'clock). 〜くらい is for durations, quantities, or degrees.
Expressing comparison with 〜くらい
You can use 〜くらい to make a comparison, meaning "as much as" or "to the extent of." For example, 「子供でもできるくらい簡単です」 (kodomo demo dekiru kurai kantan desu) means "It's easy enough that even a child can do it."
Common phrases with 〜くらい
Listen for common phrases like 「これくらい」 (kore kurai - about this much/this extent), 「それくらい」 (sore kurai - about that much/that extent), and 「どのくらい」 (dono kurai - how much/how long).
Emphatic use with negatives
When used with a negative verb, 〜くらい can emphasize how little something is done or how unimportant something is. For example, 「食べるくらいなら死んだ方がマシだ」 (taberu kurai nara shinda hou ga mashi da) means "I'd rather die than eat that." (A bit dramatic, but shows the emphasis!)
Practice with examples
The best way to get comfortable with 〜くらい is to practice using it in different contexts. Try to describe approximate quantities or durations in Japanese.
Listen to native speakers
Pay attention to how native speakers use 〜くらい in their conversations. This will help you get a feel for its natural rhythm and usage.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a 'crow' flying 'high' (くらい - kurai). When you see a crow flying high, you can't tell its exact height, so you'd say 'about' or 'approximately' how high it is.
Asociación visual
Picture a measuring tape or a scale with a '〜' symbol next to it, indicating something isn't exact but 'about' a certain amount. Or, imagine a large group of things, and you're estimating 'about' how many there are.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to estimate things in your daily life using ~くらい (~kurai). For example, 'I'll be home in ~くらい minutes.' or 'This coffee costs ~くらい yen.' Write down five sentences using ~くらい to describe approximate amounts, durations, or extents in situations relevant to your life.
Origen de la palabra
From Classical Japanese.
Significado original: Originally referred to a 'rank' or 'social standing'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'degree' or 'extent', which then led to its use in approximations.
JaponicContexto cultural
The use of 〜くらい is very common in everyday Japanese conversation. It shows a degree of approximation or modesty, which aligns with cultural tendencies to avoid overly definitive statements. It's similar to saying 'around' or 'about' in English, and you'll hear it frequently in various situations.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Indicating approximate quantity or degree.
- 5分くらいかかります。(It takes about 5 minutes.)
- 2時間くらい勉強しました。(I studied for about 2 hours.)
- これくらいでいいですか。(Is this much/this good enough?)
Expressing a comparison or extent.
- 子供でもできるくらい簡単です。(It's easy enough that even a child can do it.)
- 死ぬくらいお腹がすいた。(I'm so hungry I could die. [Exaggeration])
- 彼くらい日本語が話せたらなあ。(I wish I could speak Japanese as well as him.)
Referring to an approximate time or place.
- 来週くらいには終わると思います。(I think it will be finished by about next week.)
- 駅くらいまで歩きましょう。(Let's walk as far as the station.)
- この辺りくらいに座りましょう。(Let's sit around this area.)
Suggesting a minimum or reasonable amount.
- 毎日30分くらい運動したほうがいいですよ。(You should exercise for about 30 minutes every day.)
- 最低これくらいは必要です。(At least this much is necessary.)
- 1000円くらいで買えます。(You can buy it for about 1000 yen.)
In rhetorical questions to emphasize a point.
- どれくらい時間がかかりますか。(How much time will it take?)
- どのくらい日本語を勉強していますか。(How long have you been studying Japanese?)
- 一体どれくらいあるんだろう。(I wonder how much there is. [Rhetorical, expressing uncertainty])
Inicios de conversación
"どれくらい日本に滞在する予定ですか。(How long do you plan to stay in Japan?)"
"東京駅からここまで、どのくらいかかりましたか。(How long did it take to get here from Tokyo Station?)"
"日本語の勉強は、毎日どのくらいしていますか。(How much Japanese do you study every day?)"
"どのくらいの人がこのイベントに来ると思いますか。(How many people do you think will come to this event?)"
"今、お腹どのくらいすいていますか。(How hungry are you right now?)"
Temas para diario
今日、日本語をどのくらい勉強しましたか。何をしましたか。(How much Japanese did you study today? What did you do?)
最近、どれくらいの頻度で新しい日本語の単語を覚えていますか。(How often have you been learning new Japanese words recently?)
あなたが日本語を話せるようになりたいのは、どのくらいのレベルですか。どんな目標がありますか。(To what extent do you want to be able to speak Japanese? What goals do you have?)
あなたの住んでいる場所から一番近いコンビニまで、歩いてどのくらいかかりますか。(How long does it take to walk to the nearest convenience store from where you live?)
もしあなたが日本に住むとしたら、どのくらいの期間住みたいですか。なぜですか。(If you were to live in Japan, for how long would you want to live there? Why?)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYou use 〜くらい when you want to express an approximate amount, quantity, or degree. Think of it like saying 'about,' 'around,' or 'approximately' in English. It's very flexible and can be used with numbers, time, distance, or even to express a general extent.
Yes, you can! For example, you might say 「教室には五人くらい学生がいます。」 (There are about five students in the classroom.) or 「二人くらいでこのケーキは食べられますか。」 (Can about two people eat this cake?). It works just like with other nouns to indicate an approximate number.
Not quite. While both express approximation, they have different uses. 〜ごろ (goro) is specifically for approximating time points, like 「三時ごろ」 (around 3 o'clock). 〜くらい (kurai) is more general and can be used for amounts, quantities, degrees, or durations. So, 「三時間くらい」 (about three hours) uses 〜くらい because it's a duration, not a specific time point.
There is essentially no difference in meaning or usage between 〜くらい and 〜ぐらい. They are interchangeable. Some people might have a slight preference for one over the other, or one might sound a little more natural in certain contexts, but you can use either without worrying about changing the meaning. Just pick one and use it consistently if you prefer.
Yes, but in a specific way. When used with verbs, 〜くらい often expresses 'to the extent that' or 'so much that.' For example, 「彼が寝るくらい疲れている。」 (He's so tired that he's about to fall asleep.) or 「死ぬくらい暑い。」 (It's so hot that you could die.). It describes the degree or extent of an action or state.
While 'about' or 'approximately' is its most common meaning, 〜くらい can also express degree or extent, like 'to the extent that' or 'as much as.' For example, 「子供でもわかるくらい簡単なこと。」 (It's so simple that even a child can understand it.). It shows the level or measure of something.
You can use it just like in a statement to ask about an approximate amount or degree. For example, 「東京から大阪までどのくらいかかりますか。」 (How long does it take from Tokyo to Osaka?) or 「あとどのくらい時間がかかりますか。」 (How much more time will it take?). The 'どの' (dono) or 'いくら' (ikura) often pairs with 〜くらい in questions.
Yes, you can. It works similarly to verbs, expressing the degree or extent of the adjective. For instance, 「大人くらい大きい犬。」 (A dog as big as an adult.) or 「びっくりするくらい面白い本。」 (A surprisingly interesting book.). It emphasizes how much something possesses that quality.
〜くらい itself is generally neutral in politeness. Its politeness level depends more on the surrounding sentence structure and verb conjugations. For instance, 「このくらいでいいですか。」 (Is this much okay?) is perfectly polite. You don't need a special polite form for 〜くらい itself.
Yes, it can sometimes take on the meaning of 'at least' or 'at minimum,' especially when expressing a desired or necessary amount. For example, 「一日三時間くらいは勉強しなさい。」 (You should study at least three hours a day.). In this context, it sets a lower bound or a recommended minimum.
Ponte a prueba 150 preguntas
今日の宿題は一時間＿＿＿かかります。
「くらい」は「およそ」や「約」という意味で、時間の長さを表すときによく使われます。
このケーキは五百円＿＿＿です。
「ぐらい」は「およそ」や「約」という意味で、値段や量などを表すときによく使われます。
毎晩、八時間＿＿＿寝ます。
「ぐらい」は、だいたいの時間や量を言うときに使います。
私の家から学校まで、歩いて十分＿＿＿です。
「くらい」は、距離や時間を「およそ」という意味で表すときに使います。
この本は、全部で二百ページ＿＿＿あります。
「くらい」は、数量を「およそ」という意味で表すときに使います。
コーヒーは、一日二杯＿＿＿飲みます。
「ぐらい」は、だいたいの回数や量を言うときに使います。
Choose the best fit: 「りんごを (___) 食べました。」(I ate about 3 apples.)
「さんこくらい」 means 'about three pieces'. 「〜くらい」 is used for approximation.
Which sentence means 'It's about 10 o'clock'?
「じゅうじくらいです」 means 'It's about 10 o'clock'.
Choose the correct particle: 「これは (___) いくらですか。」(How much is this, approximately?)
「くらい」 is used to ask for an approximate amount or extent.
「ごごさんじくらいにきます。」 means 'I will come around 3 PM'.
「〜くらい」 indicates approximation, so 'around 3 PM' is correct.
「このへやはひろいくらいです。」 means 'This room is very wide'.
「ひろいくらいです」 would imply 'it's wide to some extent', not 'very wide'. For 'very wide', you would use 「とてもひろいです」.
You can use 「くらい」 with numbers to express 'about' or 'approximately'.
「くらい」 is commonly used after numbers to express approximation, such as 「さんじかんくらい」 (about 3 hours).
Listen for the price of 'this.'
Listen for the approximate price of 'this.'
Listen for how long it takes from Tokyo to Osaka.
Read this aloud:
これは千円くらいです。
Focus: せんえんくらいです (sen-en kurai desu)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
この本は二千円くらいです。
Focus: にせんえんくらいです (ni-sen-en kurai desu)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
毎日八時間くらい寝ます。
Focus: はちじかんくらいねます (hachi-jikan kurai nemasu)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence saying 'There are about three books.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
本が三冊くらいあります。
Write a short sentence saying 'It takes about an hour.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一時間くらいかかります。
Write a short sentence saying 'I sleep about eight hours.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
八時間くらい寝ます。
How long until the bus arrives?
Read this passage:
A: バスはあとどのくらいで来ますか。 B: 五分くらいで来ます。
How long until the bus arrives?
B says '五分くらいで来ます' which means 'It comes in about 5 minutes.'
B says '五分くらいで来ます' which means 'It comes in about 5 minutes.'
What is the approximate price of the cake?
Read this passage:
A: このケーキはいくらですか。 B: 百円くらいです。
What is the approximate price of the cake?
B says '百円くらいです' which means 'It's about 100 yen.'
B says '百円くらいです' which means 'It's about 100 yen.'
How much Japanese does B study every day?
Read this passage:
A: 毎日どのくらい日本語を勉強しますか。 B: 毎日一時間くらい勉強します。
How much Japanese does B study every day?
B says '毎日一時間くらい勉強します' which means 'I study about 1 hour every day.'
B says '毎日一時間くらい勉強します' which means 'I study about 1 hour every day.'
'くらい' indicates 'about' or 'approximately'. The sentence means 'I wake up at about 5 o'clock.'
'くらい' is used to express 'about 2 hours'. The sentence means 'He studies for about 2 hours every day.'
'くらい' here means 'about' or 'around'. The sentence translates to 'The apple is about 300 yen.'
パーティーには20人___来ました。
〜くらい indicates 'about' or 'approximately' 20 people.
東京から大阪まで新幹線で3時間___かかります。
〜ぐらい is another way to say 'about' or 'approximately' 3 hours. ほど is also correct but for this exercise we chose ぐらい.
このケーキは500円___だと思います。
〜くらい indicates 'about' or 'approximately' 500 yen.
毎日1時間___日本語を勉強しています。
〜くらい indicates 'about' or 'approximately' 1 hour.
私の家から駅まで歩いて10分___です。
〜ぐらい indicates 'about' or 'approximately' 10 minutes.
あの人は犬を3匹___飼っています。
〜くらい indicates 'about' or 'approximately' 3 dogs.
Listen for how long someone studies Japanese daily.
Listen for the approximate travel time from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen.
Listen for the approximate price of the cake.
Read this aloud:
この本はいくらぐらいですか。
Focus: いくらぐらい (ikura gurai)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
私の家から駅まで十分ぐらいです。
Focus: 十分ぐらい (juppun gurai)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
毎日、三時間ぐらいテレビを見ます。
Focus: 三時間ぐらい (san jikan gurai)
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You want to say that something costs 'about 3000 yen'. Write this in Japanese using 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
3000円くらいです。
You are explaining that 'there are about 5 people' in a room. Write this in Japanese using 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
部屋に5人くらいいます。
You want to say that you study 'for about 2 hours' every day. Write this in Japanese using 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
毎日2時間くらい勉強します。
Bさんはいくらだと言いましたか？ (How much did B say it was?)
Read this passage:
A: このケーキはいくらですか。 B: 500円くらいです。 C: 高いですね！
Bさんはいくらだと言いましたか？ (How much did B say it was?)
B said '500 yen gurai desu', meaning 'about 500 yen'.
B said '500 yen gurai desu', meaning 'about 500 yen'.
家から学校まで自転車でどれくらいかかりますか？ (How long does it take from home to school by bicycle?)
Read this passage:
私の家から学校まで歩いて20分くらいかかります。自転車だと5分くらいです。
家から学校まで自転車でどれくらいかかりますか？ (How long does it take from home to school by bicycle?)
The passage states '自転車だと5分くらいです' (By bicycle, it takes about 5 minutes).
The passage states '自転車だと5分くらいです' (By bicycle, it takes about 5 minutes).
この人は1週間に何冊くらい本を読みますか？ (How many books does this person read in a week?)
Read this passage:
この本は面白かったです。私は1週間に3冊くらい本を読みます。週末はもっと読みます。
この人は1週間に何冊くらい本を読みますか？ (How many books does this person read in a week?)
The passage says '私は1週間に3冊くらい本を読みます' (I read about 3 books a week).
The passage says '私は1週間に3冊くらい本を読みます' (I read about 3 books a week).
This sentence means 'I sleep about 8 hours every day.' The particle くらい indicates approximation.
This sentence means 'It's about 10 minutes from here to the station.' くらい shows an approximate duration.
This sentence means 'I drink about 2 cups of coffee a day.' くらい quantifies the approximate amount.
Choose the best particle to complete the sentence: 私は毎日、8時間___寝ます。
「くらい」is used to express approximation, meaning 'about 8 hours'.
Which sentence correctly uses 「くらい」?
「くらい」indicates approximation for duration. The other options use 'くらい' incorrectly in this context.
Select the sentence where 「くらい」 means 'to the extent that'.
Here, 「くらい」shows the degree or extent of effort, meaning he worked hard 'to the extent that' he can speak Japanese.
「東京から大阪まで新幹線で2時間くらいかかります。」 means it takes exactly 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka.
「くらい」indicates approximation, so it means 'about 2 hours', not exactly 2 hours.
「私は毎日、コーヒーを3杯くらい飲みます。」 suggests that the speaker drinks exactly 3 cups of coffee every day.
「くらい」 expresses approximation, so it means 'about 3 cups', not an exact number.
In the sentence 「この仕事は彼にしかできないくらい難しいです。」, 「くらい」 emphasizes the difficulty of the job.
Here, 「くらい」 is used to indicate the extent or degree of difficulty, meaning it's 'so difficult that' only he can do it.
You want to say that something costs 'about 3000 yen'. Write this in Japanese. Remember to use 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
三千円くらいです。
You are explaining that you study Japanese 'about two hours' every day. Write this sentence in Japanese. Include 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
毎日二時間くらい日本語を勉強します。
You want to tell someone that you live 'about 10 minutes' away from the station. Write this in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
駅から十分くらい離れたところに住んでいます。
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train?
Read this passage:
A: 東京から大阪まで、どれくらいかかりますか？ B: 新幹線なら二時間半くらいかかります。
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Osaka by bullet train?
B says '二時間半くらい' which means 'about two and a half hours'.
B says '二時間半くらい' which means 'about two and a half hours'.
What is indicated about the book's length and reading time?
Read this passage:
この本は五百ページくらいあります。読むのに一週間くらいかかるでしょう。
What is indicated about the book's length and reading time?
The passage states '五百ページくらい' (about 500 pages) and '一週間くらいかかる' (takes about a week).
The passage states '五百ページくらい' (about 500 pages) and '一週間くらいかかる' (takes about a week).
How long does it take for the person to get to school each morning?
Read this passage:
毎朝、学校に行くのに三十分くらいかかります。バスか電車で通学しています。
How long does it take for the person to get to school each morning?
The phrase '三十分くらいかかります' means 'it takes about 30 minutes'.
The phrase '三十分くらいかかります' means 'it takes about 30 minutes'.
This sentence means 'It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the station.' The word 'くらい' indicates approximation for the duration.
This sentence means 'I study Japanese for about an hour every day.' 'くらい' is used here to approximate the duration of study.
This sentence means 'I want to eat a cake that is delicious to that extent.' 'くらい' here indicates the degree or extent of deliciousness.
このプロジェクトを完成させるのに、あとどの___時間が必要ですか？
「どのくらい」は、期間や量を尋ねるときによく使われます。
今日は疲れているので、何もする気が起きない___です。
「〜くらいだ」は、ある状況が極端であることを表すときに使います。
このレポートは、完成までに3日___かかるでしょう。
「〜くらいかかる」は、おおよその時間を示す一般的な表現です。
彼女は歌が上手で、プロの歌手と間違われる___です。
「〜くらいだ」は、その状態がどの程度かを強調する際に使われます。
東京から大阪まで新幹線で2時間半___かかります。
距離や時間を概算で示す際に「〜くらい」が用いられます。
その知らせを聞いて、私は泣き出す___ショックを受けました。
感情の度合いが非常に高いことを表すときに「〜くらい」を使います。
What did you do yesterday with your friends?
How much is this book?
How long do you exercise every day?
Read this aloud:
東京から大阪まで新幹線で２時間半くらいです。
Focus: しんかんせん
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
このパソコンは１０万円くらいでした。
Focus: まんえん
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
日本語の勉強には毎日１時間くらい時間を費やしています。
Focus: ひやしています
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are planning a party and want to invite about 20 people. Write a short message to a friend asking for help with preparations. Make sure to use 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今週末、パーティーをすることにしたんだけど、20人くらい来る予定なんだ。準備を手伝ってくれないかな？ (I decided to have a party this weekend, and about 20 people are planning to come. Could you help me with the preparations?)
You're describing your commute to work. It takes you about an hour. Write a sentence explaining this, using 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の会社への通勤は、毎日1時間くらいかかります。(My commute to work takes about an hour every day.)
You're estimating the cost of a new item you want to buy, saying it will be around 50,000 yen. Write a sentence stating this, using 〜くらい.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいパソコンを買いたいんだけど、5万円くらいかかると思います。(I want to buy a new computer, but I think it will cost about 50,000 yen.)
What is the approximate travel time from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen?
Read this passage:
A: 東京から大阪まで、新幹線でどれくらい時間がかかりますか？ B: 大体2時間半くらいですね。 A: そうですか。日帰りでも行けそうですか？ B: はい、十分可能です。 (A: How long does it take from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen? B: It's about two and a half hours. A: I see. Is it possible to go there and back in a day? B: Yes, it's completely possible.)
What is the approximate travel time from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen?
B's response directly states '大体2時間半くらいですね' (It's about two and a half hours).
B's response directly states '大体2時間半くらいですね' (It's about two and a half hours).
How long did it approximately take the person to get to the station?
Read this passage:
今朝、家を出たら雨が降っていた。傘を持っていなかったから、駅まで走ったんだけど、服がびしょ濡れになった。駅に着くまでに、10分くらいかかったと思う。 (This morning, when I left home, it was raining. I didn't have an umbrella, so I ran to the station, but my clothes got soaked. I think it took about 10 minutes to get to the station.)
How long did it approximately take the person to get to the station?
The passage states '駅に着くまでに、10分くらいかかったと思う' (I think it took about 10 minutes to get to the station).
The passage states '駅に着くまでに、10分くらいかかったと思う' (I think it took about 10 minutes to get to the station).
What was the approximate length of the book?
Read this passage:
この本はとても面白かったので、一晩で読んでしまった。全部で300ページくらいあったと思うけど、全く飽きなかった。(This book was so interesting that I finished it in one night. I think it had about 300 pages in total, but I didn't get bored at all.)
What was the approximate length of the book?
The passage mentions '全部で300ページくらいあったと思う' (I think it had about 300 pages in total).
The passage mentions '全部で300ページくらいあったと思う' (I think it had about 300 pages in total).
This sentence means 'I hear about 20 people are coming to the party.' '〜くらい' is used here to indicate an approximate number of people.
This sentence translates to 'I study Japanese for about 2 hours every day.' '〜くらい' quantifies the duration of study.
This sentence means 'This job is so difficult that it's almost too much for me.' Here, '〜くらい' indicates the extent of difficulty.
この映画は人気がある___、チケットが手に入りにくい。
「人気があるくらい」で「人気がある程度に、人気があるから」という原因や理由を表します。
彼は驚く___の速さで問題を解決した。
「驚くくらい」は「驚くほどの」という意味で、その程度を表します。
忙しすぎて、食事をする時間もない___だ。
「時間もないくらいだ」で「時間がないという程度だ」という意味になります。
その景色は、息をのむ___の美しさだった。
「息をのむくらい」は「息をのむほどの」という意味で、その程度を表します。
このプロジェクトを成功させるには、徹夜する___の努力が必要だ。
「徹夜するくらいの努力」で「徹夜するという程度の努力」という意味になります。
彼の話は面白すぎて、時間を忘れる___だった。
「時間を忘れるくらい」は「時間を忘れるほどの」という意味で、その程度を表します。
Choose the best fit: 「彼は、その問題を解決するために、 ___ 時間を費やしたと言われています。」
「くらい」is used here to express the extent or degree of time spent, suggesting a significant amount.
Which word best completes the sentence? 「その画家は、 ___ 才能に恵まれていると言えるだろう。」
「並々ならぬ」means extraordinary or exceptional, fitting the context of great talent.
Select the most appropriate option: 「彼女の英語力は、 ___ ネイティブスピーカーと遜色ない。」
「まるで」is used to emphasize that something is exactly like something else, fitting the comparison to a native speaker.
「この問題は、彼にとって 手の打ちようがないくらい難しい。」という文は、 「彼が解決策を見つけるのは非常に困難である」 という意味である。
「手の打ちようがないくらい」means that it's so difficult that no solution can be found, aligning with the idea of extreme difficulty.
「彼の仕事は、 定時で終わることが まずないくらい忙しい。」という文は、 「彼はいつも定時で仕事を終える」 という意味である。
「まずないくらい」means it almost never happens, indicating that he rarely finishes work on time, not always.
「そのニュースは、 信じられないくらい衝撃的だった。」 という文は、 「ニュースの内容が 非常に驚くべきものだった」 という意味である。
「信じられないくらい」means to an unbelievable extent, implying the news was very shocking.
The speaker is talking about how much wine 'he' drank yesterday.
The speaker is expressing their commitment to finishing a report today.
The speaker is describing someone's Japanese proficiency.
Read this aloud:
このプロジェクトにはあと一週間くらい必要です。
Focus: くらい
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
毎日30分くらい運動しています。
Focus: くらい
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
彼は私くらい背が高いです。
Focus: くらい
Dijiste:
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Imagine you're planning a surprise birthday party for a friend. Describe how you would secretly gather gifts and decorations, making sure not to give away the surprise. Use 〜くらい to express the extent of your efforts or how close you came to being discovered.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達の誕生日のサプライズパーティーを計画しています。プレゼントや飾り付けを友達に気づかれないくらい隠して集めました。見つからないように、友達が家を出た瞬間に飾り付けをするくらいの努力をしました。
You are trying to learn a very difficult skill, like playing a complex musical instrument or mastering a new programming language. Describe the challenges you face and how much effort you've put in to overcome them. Incorporate 〜くらい to indicate the intensity of your struggle or dedication.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
新しいプログラミング言語を習得しようとしていますが、本当に難しいです。毎日、寝る間も惜しむくらい練習して、コードが思い通りに動かない時には、諦めそうになるくらいの挫折感を味わいます。しかし、目標を達成するために、どんな困難にも立ち向かうくらいの覚悟を持っています。
Describe a time you were extremely busy, perhaps preparing for a major exam or project. Explain how much you had to sacrifice or how much you pushed yourself to get everything done. Use 〜くらい to emphasize the degree of your busyness or the extent of your sacrifices.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
期末試験の準備で、一週間くらいはほとんど寝ていませんでした。毎日徹夜するくらい勉強して、友達と遊ぶ時間もほとんどないくらい忙しかったです。試験が終わるまで、食事も忘れるくらいの集中力で取り組みました。
この夏、政府が外出を控えるよう呼びかけるほどだったのはなぜですか？
Read this passage:
今年の夏は記録的な猛暑で、外に出るのが危険なほどでした。日中の最高気温は40度近くまで上がり、夜になっても気温が下がらず、寝苦しい夜が続きました。多くの人が熱中症で病院に運ばれ、政府も外出を控えるよう呼びかけるくらいでした。
この夏、政府が外出を控えるよう呼びかけるほどだったのはなぜですか？
文章に「記録的な猛暑で、外に出るのが危険なほどでした」「日中の最高気温は40度近くまで上がり」とあることから、気温が非常に高かったことが理由だとわかります。
文章に「記録的な猛暑で、外に出るのが危険なほどでした」「日中の最高気温は40度近くまで上がり」とあることから、気温が非常に高かったことが理由だとわかります。
彼がプロジェクトに没頭する様子から、どのようなことがわかりますか？
Read this passage:
彼は新しいプロジェクトに全身全霊を傾けていました。毎晩遅くまで残業し、週末も返上して仕事に没頭する日々が続いていました。その熱心さは、周りの人が心配するくらいのもので、休むように勧める声も上がっていました。
彼がプロジェクトに没頭する様子から、どのようなことがわかりますか？
文章に「全身全霊を傾けていました」「毎晩遅くまで残業し、週末も返上して仕事に没頭する日々」とあることから、彼が仕事に非常に熱心であることがわかります。
文章に「全身全霊を傾けていました」「毎晩遅くまで残業し、週末も返上して仕事に没頭する日々」とあることから、彼が仕事に非常に熱心であることがわかります。
彼女の歌声はどのような特徴を持っていましたか？
Read this passage:
彼女の歌声は、聴く人の心を震わせるくらい感動的でした。一度聴いたら忘れられないような、力強さと繊細さを兼ね備えた歌声で、コンサート会場は感動の渦に包まれました。演奏が終わった後も、拍手が鳴り止まないくらいでした。
彼女の歌声はどのような特徴を持っていましたか？
文章に「聴く人の心を震わせるくらい感動的でした」「力強さと繊細さを兼ね備えた歌声」とあることから、彼女の歌声の特徴がわかります。
文章に「聴く人の心を震わせるくらい感動的でした」「力強さと繊細さを兼ね備えた歌声」とあることから、彼女の歌声の特徴がわかります。
この映画は3時間___続くので、途中で休憩が必要かもしれません。
「〜ぐらい」は数量や程度を表す際に使われ、「約3時間」という意味になります。
彼女の発表は、聴衆全員が感動で涙する___素晴らしいものだった。
「〜ほど」は、その事柄の程度がどれほどであるかを示す際に使われ、「〜するくらいに」という意味になります。
その問題は、専門家でさえ解決に数週間かかる___複雑だ。
「〜ほど」は、ある事態の程度が非常に高いことを表すときに使われます。ここでは「解決に数週間かかるくらい複雑だ」という意味になります。
彼は毎日、疲れて寝落ちする___までゲームをしている。
「〜くらい」は、ある動作や状態がどの程度のレベルまで達しているかを示す際に使われます。ここでは「寝落ちするほど」という意味になります。
そのアーティストの作品は、見る人を圧倒する___の力を持っている。
「〜ほど」は、ある程度や範囲を示す際に使われます。ここでは「圧倒するくらいの」という意味になります。
彼女は、子供の頃からずっとピアニストになることを夢見て、毎日練習する___だった。
「〜ばかり」は、その状態や行動がほとんどそれだけであることを強調する際に使われます。「〜するばかりだった」で「〜するだけだった、〜するしかなかった」という意味になります。
Choose the best fit: 「彼は日本語が上級者だ。まるでネイティブスピーカーである___に話す。」
「くらい」is used here to express the extent or degree of his Japanese proficiency, implying it's as if he is a native speaker. 「ほど」could also work but 「くらい」emphasizes the degree more here. 「ばかり」means 'only' or 'just', and 「だけ」means 'only'.
Which sentence correctly uses 「くらい」to express an extreme degree?
The sentence '疲れて、もう一歩も歩けないくらいだ。' (I'm so tired, I can't walk even one step) uses 「くらい」to indicate an extreme level of fatigue. The other options compare sizes or express simple quantities.
Select the sentence where 「くらい」is used to mean 'at least'.
In '少しくらい休憩した方がいい。' (You should rest at least a little), 「くらい」implies a minimum or 'at least'. The other sentences express extent, comparison, or approximation.
The sentence「夜中に騒ぐなんて、非常識な人もいるくらいだ。」means 'There are even some people who are so inconsiderate that they make noise in the middle of the night.'
「くらいだ」here expresses an extreme example or degree, meaning 'to the extent that there are even people who...' or 'it's so bad that there are people who...'.
The phrase 「これくらいならできる」means 'I can do about this much,' implying a limitation.
「これくらい」means 'about this much' or 'to this extent'. When combined with 「できる」, it suggests the speaker can handle a certain amount or level, often with the nuance of 'no more than this' or 'at least this'.
In the sentence「彼は天才だ。数学の難問も一瞬で解いてしまうくらいだ。」, 「くらいだ」indicates an approximation of time.
In this context, 「くらいだ」is used to express the extent or degree of his genius, implying 'to the extent that he can solve difficult math problems in an instant,' not an approximation of time itself.
The speaker is asking about travel time between two major Japanese cities by bullet train. Listen for the word indicating 'how much/long'.
The speaker is describing the length of a book. Listen for the approximate number of pages.
The speaker is talking about their daily Japanese study habits. Listen for the approximate duration.
Read this aloud:
このプロジェクトを完成させるのに、あとどのくらい時間がかかりますか？
Focus: どのくらい
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
明日のパーティーには、20人くらい来る予定です。
Focus: 20人くらい
Dijiste:
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Read this aloud:
彼女は世界中を旅するくらい、旅行が好きです。
Focus: くらい、旅行が好きです
Dijiste:
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You are explaining to a friend how much effort you've put into learning Japanese. Use "〜くらい" to emphasize the extent of your dedication, mentioning at least two specific examples of your study habits.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は日本語の勉強に毎日３時間くらい費やしていて、時には疲れて寝てしまうくらい集中しています。このくらいの努力を続ければ、きっと上達するはずです。
Describe a situation where someone was so overwhelmed by emotion (happiness, sadness, anger, etc.) that it manifested physically. Use "〜くらい" to express the intensity of their emotion and its physical effect.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼女は合格の知らせを聞いて、嬉しさのあまり、体が震えるくらい感動していました。涙が止まらないくらい喜んでいる姿を見て、私も胸が熱くなりました。
Imagine you are giving advice to a beginner Japanese learner. Explain the importance of consistent practice, using "〜くらい" to illustrate the small, regular efforts that accumulate over time to significant progress.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本語の学習では、毎日５分くらいでも良いので、継続することが大切です。最初は進歩が見えないかもしれませんが、そのくらいの小さな努力が積み重なって、いつの間にか大きな力になりますよ。
会議はどのような状況でしたか？
Read this passage:
今日の会議は予想以上に長引き、議論が白熱しすぎて、休憩を取る暇もないくらい集中しました。最終的に決定に至るまで、皆が疲れ果てるくらい意見を出し合いました。
会議はどのような状況でしたか？
パッセージには「休憩を取る暇もないくらい集中しました」「皆が疲れ果てるくらい意見を出し合いました」とあるため、会議は非常に集中しており、議論が活発だったことがわかります。
パッセージには「休憩を取る暇もないくらい集中しました」「皆が疲れ果てるくらい意見を出し合いました」とあるため、会議は非常に集中しており、議論が活発だったことがわかります。
彼の資料作成に対する態度を最もよく表しているのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
彼は完璧主義者で、資料作成にはどんな小さな誤字脱字も見逃さないくらい時間をかけます。その細かさゆえに、締め切りギリギリまで作業することがよくあります。
彼の資料作成に対する態度を最もよく表しているのはどれですか？
「どんな小さな誤字脱字も見逃さないくらい時間をかけます」という記述から、彼が完璧を追求し、些細なミスも許さない性格であることが読み取れます。
「どんな小さな誤字脱字も見逃さないくらい時間をかけます」という記述から、彼が完璧を追求し、些細なミスも許さない性格であることが読み取れます。
この小説の最も大きな魅力は何ですか？
Read this passage:
この小説は、読む人を夢中にさせるくらい引き込まれるストーリー展開で、一度読み始めたら止まらない魅力があります。登場人物の心理描写も非常に深く、まるで自分がその世界にいるくらい感情移入してしまいます。
この小説の最も大きな魅力は何ですか？
「読む人を夢中にさせるくらい引き込まれるストーリー展開」「まるで自分がその世界にいるくらい感情移入してしまいます」という記述が、この小説の最大の魅力を表しています。
「読む人を夢中にさせるくらい引き込まれるストーリー展開」「まるで自分がその世界にいるくらい感情移入してしまいます」という記述が、この小説の最大の魅力を表しています。
This sentence means 'He was so tired that he couldn't sleep.' 'くらい' indicates the extent of his tiredness.
This sentence means 'This problem is so difficult that I can't solve it.' 'くらい' emphasizes the high degree of difficulty.
This sentence means 'I want to be able to speak Japanese as well as a native speaker.' 'くらい' expresses the desired level of proficiency.
/ 150 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
〜くらい indicates approximation, degree, or comparison, similar to 'about' or 'to the extent that'.
- approximate quantity
- extent or degree
- comparison
When to use 〜くらい
Use 〜くらい when you want to express an approximate quantity or degree. It's similar to saying "about" or "approximately" in English.
Attaching to nouns and numbers
You can attach 〜くらい directly to nouns or numbers. For example, 「３時間くらい」 (san jikan kurai) means "about three hours".
Attaching to verbs
When attaching to verbs, use the plain form of the verb before 〜くらい. This expresses the extent or degree of an action. For example, 「食べるくらい」 (taberu kurai) means "to the extent of eating".
Interchangeable with 〜ぐらい
〜くらい and 〜ぐらい are generally interchangeable and mean the same thing. You'll hear both in natural conversation. Don't worry too much about the difference for now.
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