くらい

This page explains 2 common usages of くらい:

• To give an example of how X something is
• Bare Minimum or least amount

Degree

It’s so X that..(Example)
Dictionary form/ない form verb + くらい/ぐらい
Noun + くらい/ぐらい

くらい can be used with verbs to offer an example of the degree of something.
Both くらい and ぐらい are ok.

Examples

• もう立てないぐらい疲れている
  I’m so tired I can’t stand. (Can probably actually stand)
  
  
• 青くなるぐらい寒い
  It’s so cold you’ll turn blue. (turning blue is an example of how cold it feels).
  
  
• 雪だるまみたいに解けるぐらい暑い
  It’s so hot I could melt like a snowman.
  
  
• 彼ぐらい強くなりたい
  I want to become about as strong as him. (He is an example of how strong)
  
  

The least

As little as..
Dictionary Form Verb + くらい/ぐらい
Noun + くらい/ぐらい

くらい may also be used to emphasize a low amount of some kind, typically effort or ability.
This is typically used to scold people.

Examples

• それくらいでもできないのか？
  Can’t you even do that much?(that little)
  
  
• 話を聞くぐらいはできるはずだろう？
  You can at least listen to what I’m saying right?
  
  
• 食べるぐらい自分でしなさい
  At least feed yourself.
  
  
• あれくらいは大丈夫
  If it’s just that much it’s ok. 
  
  
• それくらいしかできない
  Can’t do any more than that (low amount).