Japanese grammar
What does ～のは～ぐらいのものだ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～のは～ぐらいのものだ means only… is the one that…; nothing else does….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + のは + N + ぐらいのものだ |
| Romaji | noha gurainomonoda |
| Meaning | only… is the one that…; nothing else does… |
Forming it
| Clause (thing) | よかった + のは + 天気 + ぐらいのものだ |
|---|---|
| Clause (person) | 来る + のは + 彼 + ぐらいのものだ |
How to use it
A limiting statement: within the scope being discussed, only A is worth mentioning. Colloquial.
- 「～のは～ぐらいのものだ」 = only A is… and that's about it. Emphasizes a LIMITATION, often with a touch of disappointment.
- The first clause states the scope, the second states the one thing worth mentioning.
- Close to 「～しかない」; this pattern carries an evaluative tone of "that's all there is".
Examples
この時間に来るのは、彼ぐらいのものだ。
The only one who shows up at this hour is him.
今回の旅行でよかったのは、天気ぐらいのものだ。
About the only good thing on this trip was the weather.
Keep in mind
- Emphasizes a limitation.
- Often carries a hint of disappointment.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong来るのは彼ぐらいのものだから、大勢集まる。
The only one who's coming is him, so a big crowd will gather.
Correct来るのは彼ぐらいのものだ。
This pattern emphasizes a LIMITATION (only that one thing), which contradicts "a large crowd".
-
Wrong来るのは彼ぐらいものだ。
The only one who's coming is him.
Correct来るのは彼ぐらいのものだ。
「の」 is required: 「～ぐらいのものだ」.
Exam tips
- 「～のは～ぐらいのものだ」 = only A, that's it (limitation, slightly disappointed tone).