は～くらいです
About the only, To the extent that
Structure
は + ［い］Adjective + くらい (1) + だ
は + ［な］Adjective + な + くらい (1) + だ
は + Noun + くらい (1) + だ
(1) ぐらい
Explanation
は～くらいです is a Japanese phrase used to express that '(B) is the only real extent of (A)'. As with other grammar structures involving くらい, it carries a nuance of limitation or degree. In this pattern, は and くらい both function as adverbial particles. This grammar is commonly translated into English as '(B) is just about the only (A)'.
To construct this sentence pattern, place the topic (A) that is being limited before は. Follow this with the specific limit (B), and end with くらいです (or its plain form, だ).
- 週末に友達と会うのは、映画を見に行くときくらいです。Going to the movies is about the only time I see my friends on the weekend.
- 私が食べる野菜は、ニンジンぐらいだけです。Carrots are just about the only vegetable I eat.
- スポーツは大体できますよ。苦手なのは水泳ぐらいです。I can do most sports. Swimming is about the only one I'm not good at.
- 今年の願いは、試験に合格することぐらいかな。Passing my exam is about the extent of my wishes for this year.
For added emphasis, くらい can be followed by のもの or なもの.
- 値段は五百円くらいのものです。The price is only about 500 yen.
- コンビニを利用するのは、飲み物を買うときくらいなものです。スーパーで食事は買いません。Buying drinks is about the only reason I use the convenience store. I don't buy meals there.
Examples
私が唯一できるスポーツは、水泳くらいです。
Swimming is about the only sport I can do. (extent)
冷蔵庫に残っているのは、牛乳と卵くらいです。
Milk and eggs are about the only things left in the fridge. (extent)
私が買える贅沢は、週末のケーキくらいのものです。
A weekend cake is about the only luxury I can afford. (extent)
この難しい問題を解けるのは、先生くらいだ。
The teacher is basically the only one who can solve this difficult problem. (extent)
僕の財産は、このギターぐらいだ。
As for my possessions, this guitar is basically all I have. (extent)
あの子が自分から話しかけるのは、家族ぐらいだ。
Family members are about the only people that child will start a conversation with. (extent)
私が心から笑えるのは、君といる時ぐらいだ。
The time I spend with you is about the only time I can truly laugh. (extent)
この村でインターネットが使えるのは、公民館ぐらいです。
The community center is about the only place in this village where you can use the internet. (extent)
今あなたにできることは、ゆっくり休むことぐらいよ。
About the only thing you can do right now is get some proper rest. (extent)
あの無口な父が冗談を言うのは、お酒を飲んだ時ぐらいです。
About the only time my quiet father tells a joke is when he's had a drink. (extent)
こんな馬鹿なことに本気で怒る人は、部長ぐらいだと思う。
I think the department manager is about the only person who would get genuinely angry over something so silly. (extent)
あの人見知りの猫がなつくのは、大家さんぐらいだ。
The landlord is about the only person that shy cat will warm up to. (extent)
このレストランが満席になるのは、クリスマスの時期ぐらいだ。
Christmastime is about the only time this restaurant gets fully booked. (extent)
毎日トレーニングしているといっても、本格的に走るのは朝ぐらいです。
Even though I say I train every day, about the only time I do any serious running is in the morning. (extent)
私が外食する頻度は、月に一回あるかないかぐらいだ。
I only eat out about once a month, if that. (about the only) (extent)
色々な本を読んできたが、本当に感動したのは数冊ぐらいだ。
I've read a lot of different books, but there are only about a few that have truly moved me. (about the only) (extent)