〜くらい/ぐらい
about / to the extent
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜くらい/ぐらい” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜くらい/ぐらい」 means "about / to the extent". Structure: Noun + くらい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1参加ぐらい自分でできます。
さんか ぐらい じぶん で できます。
sanka gurai jibun de dekimasu.
I can at least do the participation myself.
Everyday life
Example 2帰国ぐらい自分でできます。
きこく ぐらい じぶん で できます。
kikoku gurai jibun de dekimasu.
I can at least do the returning to one's country myself.
Everyday life
Example 3購入ぐらい自分でできます。
こうにゅう ぐらい じぶん で できます。
kounyuu gurai jibun de dekimasu.
I can at least do the purchase myself.
Everyday life
Example 4練習ぐらい自分でできます。
れんしゅう ぐらい じぶん で できます。
renshuu gurai jibun de dekimasu.
I can at least do the practice myself.
At school
Example 5留学ぐらい自分でできます。
りゅうがく ぐらい じぶん で できます。
ryuugaku gurai jibun de dekimasu.
I can at least do the studying abroad myself.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I can at least do the participation myself.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜くらい/ぐらい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.