Translation and Meaning of: 位 - kurai

The Japanese word 位[くらい] is a versatile term frequently used in everyday life, but it can cause confusion for language learners. Its main meaning is related to position, degree, or approximation, depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore its practical use as well as curiosities about its origin and writing, helping you to better understand this expression that is so common in Japanese.

Besides being a useful word to describe hierarchies or estimates, 位[くらい] also appears in various situations of daily life, from informal conversations to more formal texts. If you've ever wondered how to memorize it or in what situations it is most appropriate, keep reading to discover all of that and much more.

Meaning and usage of 位[くらい]

The term 位[くらい] can be translated in different ways, depending on the context. In its most basic form, it indicates position or ranking, such as "he is in first place" (一位[いちい]). On the other hand, when used to express approximation, it can mean "more or less" or "about," as in "10人くらい" (about 10 people).

An interesting characteristic is that 位[くらい] often appears alongside numbers or expressions of quantity, helping to soften statements and making speech less direct. This is a common trait in Japanese communication, which values moderation and courtesy. For example, saying "3時間くらいかかります" (it will take about 3 hours) sounds more natural than stating an exact time.

Origin and writing of the kanji 位

The kanji 位 is composed of the radical 人 (person) and the component 立 (to stand), suggesting a relation to the position someone occupies. Historically, this character was used to indicate social hierarchies, especially in the class system of ancient Japan. Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass notions of degree and numerical proximity.

It is worth noting that, although the kanji itself is not one of the most complex, its reading くらい is one of the most common in daily life. This makes it a relatively easy word to memorize, especially for those who are already familiar with other terms that use the same kanji, such as 地位[ちい] (social position) or 位相[いそう] (phase, in technical contexts).

Tips for memorizing and using 位[くらい]

An effective way to grasp the meaning of 位[くらい] is to associate it with everyday situations. For instance, when you hear someone say "あと5分くらい" (about 5 more minutes), you may notice how the word adds a tone of flexibility to the sentence. This type of observation helps to internalize its use naturally.

Another tip is to practice with real examples, such as song lyrics or anime dialogues. Many Japanese productions frequently use 位[くらい], especially in scenes that involve estimates or comparisons. The more you expose yourself to the language, the easier it will be to recognize and use this word at the right moment.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 役目 (Yakume) - Function or role played by someone.
• 位置 (Ichi) - Position or location of something.
• 等 (Tou) - Classes or categories often refer to equality.
• 身分 (Mibun) - Social status or position in society.
• 席 (Seki) - Seat or place where someone sits.
• 職位 (Shokui) - Position or role within a profession.
• 階級 (Kaikyuu) - Social class or hierarchical level.
• 位相 (Isou) - In a mathematical context, it refers to the position in a topological space.
• 段階 (Dankai) - Stage or phase in a process.
• 級位 (Kyuu-i) - Level or ranking within a hierarchical system.
• 級 (Kyuu) - Level or classification degree.
• 等級 (Toukyuu) - Level or degree, often assessed or classified.
• 階位 (Kaii) - Level or position in a specific hierarchy.
• 位地 (Idai) - Location or position of something in a specific context.
• 位牌 (Ihai) - Scoring or ranking in games, particularly in board games.
• 位階 (Ikai) - Level or class within a structure, often religious.
• 位数 (Isuu) - Number of digits or number of positions.
• 位次 (Ido) - Order or sequence in a classification.
• 位相差 (Isousa) - Phase difference in mathematical or physical contexts.
• 位相角 (Iso-kaku) - Phase angle in mathematical or physical contexts.
• 位相関数 (Iso-kansuu) - Function that describes relationships in a topological space.
• 位相群 (Iso-gun) - Group in topological theory.
• 位相空間 (Iso-kuukan) - Space in which topological properties are studied.
• 位相位 (Iso-i) - Specific point in a topological space.
• 位相理論 (Iso-riyon) - Theory of properties and spatial relations.
• 位相幾何学 (Iso-kikegaku) - Study of geometry in topological contexts.
• 位相解析学 (Iso-kai-seki-gaku) - Study of analysis in topological contexts.
• 位相図 (Iso-zu) - Diagram that represents topological properties.
• 位相構造 (Iso-kouzou) - Structure that defines topological relationships.
• 位相同型 (Iso-do-gata) - Identification of equivalent topological structures.
• 位相不変量 (Iso-fuhengen-ryou) - Invariant quantities under topological transformations.
• 位相変換 (Iso-henkan) - Transformation that preserves topological properties.
• 位相空間論 (Iso-kuukan-ron) - Theory about the properties and structures of topological spaces.

位

Romaji: kurai
Kana: くらい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: degree; classification; court order; dignity; nobility; situation; throne; crown; occupying a position; almost; almost; as; at least; enough to

Meaning in English: grade;rank;court order;dignity;nobility;situation;throne;crown;occupying a position;about;almost;as;rather;at least;enough to

Definition: being located above. It also has the meaning of classification and order.

Example Sentences - (位) kurai

See below some example sentences:

彼女は社会的な地位を高めるために努力している。

Kanojo wa shakaiteki na chii o takameru tame ni doryoku shite iru

She is trying hard to increase her social standing.

She is working hard to improve her social status.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 社会的な (shakaitekina) - Social
• 地位 (chii) - Position
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 高める (takameru) - increase
• ために (tameni) - For
• 努力している (doryoku shiteiru) - You are making an effort.

横綱は相撲の最高位です。

Yokozuna wa sumou no saikoui desu

Yokozuna is the tallest in sumo wrestling.

• 横綱 - Yokozuna (highest rank in sumo)
• は - Topic particle
• 相撲 - Sumo (Japanese martial art)
• の - Possession particle
• 最高位 - Highest position
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は学士の学位を持っています。

Watashi wa gakushi no gakui o motte imasu

I have a bachelor's degree.

I have a bachelor degree.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 学士 (gakushi) - Japanese noun that means "bachelor."
• の (no) - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship between nouns
• 学位 (gakui) - Japanese noun meaning "academic degree"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています (motteimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess" in the present continuous tense

臍は人体の中心に位置する。

Sai wa jintai no chūshin ni ichi suru

The navel is located in the center of the human body.

• 臍 (navel) - indicates the part of the human body that is the central point of the abdomen.
• 人体 (corpo humano) - refers to the set of organs, tissues, and systems that make up the human body
• 中心 (centro) - indicates the point or place that is in the middle or at the center of something.
• 位置する (estar localizado) - indicates the position or location of something