GrammarJLPT N3~くらい~は~ない (〜kurai 〜wa 〜nai)

~くらい~は~ない (〜kurai 〜wa 〜nai)

JLPT N3

Explanation

Express the least one can do; 'at least', 'the least', 'no less than'.

Formation

Verb-casual (non-past) + くらい + は + Verb-casual (negative), Adjective (non-past) + くらい + は + Adjective (negative)

Detailed Explanation

The ~くらい~は~ない grammar point is used to emphasize the minimum expectation in a situation or the least one can do. It can be translated as 'at least', 'the least', or 'no less than' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb or an adjective.

Examples

週に一度くらいはジムに行かないと。

Shuu ni ichido kurai wa jimu ni ikanai to.

I have to go to the gym at least once a week.

毎日くらいは歯を磨かないと。

Mainichi kurai wa ha wo migakanai to.

I have to brush my teeth at least every day.

この問題くらいは解決しないと。

Kono mondai kurai wa kaiketsu shinai to.

I have to solve at least this problem.

彼女が泣いているくらいなら慰めないと。

Kanojo ga naite iru kurai nara nagusamenai to.

If she is crying that much, I should at least try to comfort her.

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.