Degree and Extent: 〜くらい / 〜ほど

Learn how 〜くらい and 〜ほど express degree, extent, approximation, and comparison in natural N3 sentences.

Use 〜くらい and 〜ほど to talk about degree and intensity.Recognize approximation with 〜くらい and stronger extent with 〜ほど.Read comparison patterns such as AほどBはない and understand their emphasis.

Guided study

Core meaning

Both 〜くらい and 〜ほど can express degree or extent. In many sentences they are similar, but 〜ほど often sounds slightly more objective or stronger, while 〜くらい is also common for approximate amount or level.

泣きたいくらいうれしかった。

I was happy enough to cry.

くらい marks an emotional degree: happy enough to cry.

立っていられないほど疲れていた。

I was so tired that I could not remain standing.

ほど shows a degree so strong that standing became impossible.

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Degree and Extent: 〜くらい / 〜ほど

Core meaning

Practice guides for this lesson

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