What difference between くらい and ころ?

くらい is primarily used to indicate approximate quantities, degrees, or extent s, while ころ refers to an approximate point in time.

Can くらい and ころ be used interchangeably?

No, they are not interchangeable. くらい is used for quantities or degrees (e.g., "about 10 minutes"), whereas ころ is used for approximate times (e.g., "around 3 o'clock" or "around my childhood").

Are there any formal alternatives to くらい and ころ?

In more formal situations, you might use ほど instead of くらい to express approximation. For example, 10分くらい can become 10分ほど. However, ほど cannot replace ころ, as they serve different grammatical purposes.

Can ころ be used with actions or events?

Yes, ころ can describe the approximate time when an action or event took place. For instance, 学生のころ means "around the time I was a student."

Are there nuances when combining くらい or ころ with other particles?

Yes, combining these with particles like に (e.g., 3時ころに) or は (e.g., これくらいは) can add additional nuance or emphasize specific aspects of the sentence. Context determines the appropriate combination.

Can I study Japanese in Japan with LTL?

Absolutely! We offer group and individual classes in Tokyo . If you’d prefer to learn Japanese from the comfort of your home, you should have a look at our online lessons on Flexi Classes (we even have a 7 day free trial !)

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Grammar Point	Pattern	Example
Expressing approximation with くらい and ころ	Amount + くらい	この本はもう半分くらい読みました。
Expressing exclusivity with しか	しか + Verb (Negative form)	私の父はブラックコーヒーしか飲みません。
Expressing specificity with こと, もの	Verb (plain form) + こと	走ることが父の趣味です。
Expressing unfulfilled expectations with のに	Verb (plain form) / い-adjective / な-adjective / Noun (+ な) + のに	約束をしたのに、彼は来ませんでした。
Expressing readiness in Japanese	Verb (dictionary form) + ようにする	もっと運動するようにします。
Expressing surprise in Japanese	-
Plans & Intentions in Japanese	Verb + つもりです	明日映画を見るつもりです。
Intended for / aimed at in Japanese	Noun + 向け+ の + Noun	この講座は初中級者向けです。
Passive form in Japanese	N1 [Person 1] + は + N2 [Person 2] + に + Verb passive	私は同僚にデートに誘われました。

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