程
The more, About, To the extent that, So much… that
Structure
［い］Adjective + ほど
［な］Adjective + な + ほど
Noun + ほど
Explanation
The word ほど, written with the kanji 程 meaning 'degree' or 'extent', is used to express an approximate measure or the degree of something. It differs from similar words like くらい because ほど highlights that a certain limit or high degree has been met. For this reason, it is often translated as 'to the extent that...' or 'so much that...'.
You can attach ほど directly to the end of any word's attributive form. The attributive form is simply the version of a word used to modify a noun.
- 目が赤くなるほど泣きました。I cried so much that my eyes turned red.
- この景色は感動するほど美しいですね。This scenery is beautiful to the point of being moving, isn't it?
- この部屋は変なほど静かだ。This room is so quiet it's strange.
- 荷物は３日ほどで届くと思います。I think the package will arrive in about 3 days.
Caution
While くらい can indicate a general approximation (either more or less), 程 specifically points to a boundary or limit. Because of this, it cannot be used if that limit is surpassed. This makes it ideal for expressing an exaggerated degree of something, where the reality might not actually reach that specified limit.
- お腹が痛くなるほど笑ったのは久しぶりだ。It's been a while since I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt.
Examples
駅まで歩いて２０分程かかります。
It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the station. (degree・bounds・limit)
お腹が痛くなる程、笑った。
I laughed so hard that my stomach started to hurt. (degree・bounds・limit)
もう一歩も歩けないと感じる程、疲れた。
I was tired to the point that I felt I couldn't take another step. (degree・bounds・limit)
周りの人が迷惑だと感じる程、うるさくしてはいけない。
You shouldn't be noisy to the extent that it bothers the people around you. (degree・bounds・limit)
会議は一時間半程で終わるでしょう。
The meeting will probably be over in about an hour and a half. (degree・bounds・limit)
この子は大人かと思う程、しっかりしている。
This child is so mature you'd almost think they were an adult. (so much so)
(They are mature to the extent that I think they might be an adult) (degree・bounds・limit)
今日の試験は、心配していた程ではなかった。
Today's test was not as bad as I had worried it would be. (degree・bounds・limit)
彼女程歌が上手な人は、なかなかいない。
It's rare to find someone who sings to the extent that she does. (degree・bounds・limit)
この映画は何度見ても泣いてしまう程感動的だ。
This movie is so moving that I cry no matter how many times I watch it. (degree・bounds・limit)
忙しい時程、健康に気をつけるべきです。
It is when you are at the extent of your busiest that you should take care of your health. (the more) (degree・bounds・limit)
喉が枯れる程応援したが、試合に負けてしまった。
I cheered to the extent that my throat became hoarse, but we lost the game. (so much so) (degree・bounds・limit)
スピーチの前は、いつも胸がドキドキする程緊張する。
Before a speech, I always get so nervous that my heart pounds. (degree・bounds・limit)