Approximate Amounts
くらい (also written ぐらい) softens a number into an estimate.
- 三十分くらい待ちました。(I waited about thirty minutes.)
- 千円ぐらいです。(It's around 1,000 yen.)
くらい and ぐらい are the same word. ぐらい is slightly more common in speech; either is correct.
くらい vs ごろ
Both mean "about," but they take different things:
| Pattern | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| くらい | quantities and durations | 一時間くらい (about an hour) |
| ごろ | points in time | 三時ごろ (around three o'clock) |
三時ごろ来ます — I'll come around three.
三時間くらい待ちました — I waited about three hours.
A clock time takes ごろ; a length of time takes くらい.
No Particle Needed
くらい absorbs を and が:
- ○ 十分くらい待ってください。
- × 十分くらいを待ってください。
"To the Extent That"
Beyond numbers, くらい shows degree:
- 泣きたいくらい疲れた。(I'm tired enough to cry.)
- 死ぬほど… is stronger; くらい is the everyday version.
The Dismissive Use
After a noun, くらい can mean "only that much" — belittling it:
- これくらい簡単です。(Something this small is easy.)
- 掃除くらいしてよ。(You could at least clean up.)
Tone decides whether this sounds humble or rude, so use it carefully.