くらい ②
To the extent that, So…that, About the only thing that...
Structure
［い］Adjective + くらい(1)
［な］Adjective + な + くらい(1)
Noun + くらい(1)
(1) ぐらい
Explanation
The word くらい, which often follows a noun or verb, can act as an adverbial particle. This usage of くらい (or ぐらい) indicates the approximate degree of something, in a manner similar to ほど. Consequently, it can be translated as 'enough to...', 'so...that...', or 'to the extent that...'. Here are a few examples.
- 涙がでるくらいおもしろい映画を見た。I watched a movie that was so funny it brought me to tears.
- 飛び上がるくらい、うれしかった。I was so happy that I could have jumped for joy.
- 毎日食べたいぐらいこのケーキはおいしい。This cake is so delicious I could eat it every day.
- 田中さんくらい日本語が上手になりたい。I want to get as good at Japanese as Tanaka-san.
Even with these various English translations, this function of くらい is connected to its kanji form, 位, which signifies a 'level' or 'rank'. This helps to understand that (A) is being presented as the 'level' or extent of an action or state that is sufficient to bring about (B).
Examples
動けないくらい、おなかがいっぱいです。
I am so full that I can't move.
あの映画は、声を上げて泣きたいくらい感動的だった。
That movie was moving to the point that I wanted to cry out loud.
ネイティブぐらい流暢に日本語を話せるようになりたい。
I want to be able to speak Japanese fluently, to the same level as a native speaker.
私にできるのは、簡単な料理くらいですよ。
Simple cooking is just about the only thing I can do.
歯が痛くなるくらい甘いケーキを食べた。
I ate a cake so sweet that it made my teeth hurt.
この説明書は子供でも理解できるくらいやさしい。
This instruction manual is simple to the extent that even a child can understand it.
父ぐらい強くなりたいです。
I want to become strong, just like my father.
息が白くなるくらい、ものすごく寒い。
It is so incredibly cold that you can see your breath.
気味が悪いくらい、彼は親切だった。
He was kind to the point that it was almost creepy.
ピアノで一曲弾けるぐらい練習したことがある。
I have practiced to the extent that I can play one song on the piano.
親友の誕生日さえ忘れてしまった。そのくらい忙しいんだ。
I even forgot my best friend's birthday. I'm THAT busy.
１０年ぶりに地元に戻った。道に迷うくらい変わっていた。
I returned to my hometown for the first time in 10 years. It had changed so much that I got lost.