N1 Scope, Range, and Extent

~くらいのものだ: meaning, usage and examples

~くらいのものだ means: only... / about the only...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 彼かれが素直すなおになるのは、お酒さけを飲のんだ時ときくらいのものだ。

   About the only time he's honest is when he's drinking.

2. 私わたしが本当ほんとうにリラックスできるのは、一人ひとりの時間じかんくらいのものだ。

   The only time I can truly relax is when I'm alone.

3. 部長ぶちょうに反論はんろんできるのは、田中たなかさんくらいのものだ。

   About the only person who can argue with the department manager is Mr. Tanaka.

4. 毎日まいにち忙いそがしくて、楽たのしみといえば週末しゅうまつの映画えいがくらいのものだ。

   I am busy every day, and about my only pleasure is a movie on the weekend.

When to use it

Says that only one thing fits the description, with a feeling of about the only one. Example: そんなことを言いえるのは、彼かれくらいのものだ (about the only person who can say that is him). It often follows a は-clause: XのはYくらいのものだ.

Nuance

Spoken and written; slightly emotional. It can imply admiration (only he can do it) or slight disappointment (that is about all I can do). The structure is usually a topic clause with のは and a single item at the end. It is an assertion, not a request.

Compare

くらいのものだ means about the only one: 休やすめるのは日曜にちようくらいのものだ. しかない is a plain limit: 日曜にちようしか休やすめない. に限かぎる means it is best: 夏なつはビールに限かぎる. くらい alone gives an approximate amount: 10分じゅっぷんくらい.

Tip: Look for のは at the start. XのはYくらいのものだ is the shape that appears on the test.