～くらい～は～ない JLPT N3 Neutral

〜kurai 〜wa 〜nai

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

"At least this much, surely" - sets a low bar that should be achievable.

Formation

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

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.

Example sentences

週に一度くらいはジムに行かないと。

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

Shuu ni ichido kurai wa jimu ni ikanai to.
毎日くらいは歯を磨かないと。

I have to brush my teeth at least every day.

Mainichi kurai wa ha wo migakanai to.
この問題くらいは解決しないと。

I have to solve at least this problem.

Kono mondai kurai wa kaiketsu shinai to.
彼女が泣いているくらいなら慰めないと。

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

Kanojo ga naite iru kurai nara nagusamenai to.

At Least (A Minimal Amount)

Noun なりとも JLPT N1