どのくらい

• Reading: どのくらい
• Romaji: donokurai
• Pronunciation: /do.no.kɯ.ɾa.i/

Meaning

How long; how far; how much; to what extent. Asks about degree, duration, or distance.

A compound expression from どの (which) + くらい (approximately/extent). Used to ask about amounts, distances, durations, and degrees. Also written as どのぐらい (with voiced ぐ). Extremely useful for travel, cooking, and everyday planning. The answer typically includes a specific number or approximate quantity.

Examples

1. ここから駅までどのくらいかかりますか。 How long does it take from here to the station?
2. 日本語をどのくらい勉強しましたか。 How long have you been studying Japanese?
3. どのくらいの大きさですか。 How big is it?

Usage Guide

Context: travel, questions, planning

Tone: inquisitive

Origin & History

A compound of the interrogative adnominal どの (which) and くらい (approximate degree/extent). くらい derives from 位 (kurai, rank/position), extended to mean 'about that much.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal