Verb/Adj (plain form) + くらい・ぐらい

[To the extent that / So ~ that]

Connection: Verb (plain form) / い-Adj / な-Adj (な) + くらい・ぐらい

Usage: When used to express degree (not quantity), indicates that something reaches a notable or extreme extent. Often used with exaggeration to emphasize how much. くらい and ぐらい are interchangeable.

Note: This is different from the quantity usage (3個ぐらい = about 3 items).

Similar expressions:

• ほど = to the extent (slightly more formal)
• くらい = to the extent (slightly more casual)

Examples:

泣きたいくらい嬉しかった。(I was so happy I could have cried.)

死ぬぐらい疲れた。(I'm so tired I could die. [exaggeration])

目が回るくらい忙しい。(I'm so busy my head is spinning.)