ほど
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
the more
to the extent that
so much … that
about
Usage
V-る/ V-ない + ほど
V-ている + ほど? (not common)
V-る/ V-た + ほど (alternative pattern with 〜た)
Adjective (い-adj) + ほど
Adjective (な-adj) + ほど
Noun + の + ほど (less common; used in some constructs)
Noun + ほど (the degree of noun)
Explanation
ほど expresses a degree relation, similar to 'the more ... the more' or 'to the extent that'. It ties a clause that describes increasing/decreasing intensity or quality to a main clause that performs a proportional or contrasting action or description. Use ほど to compare degrees between two propositions. In contrast with くらい, ほど emphasizes the extent or degree rather than a rough estimate. Typical contexts include self-improvement, learning progress, and comparisons of qualities between people or things. When used with the main clause, the second clause often uses なる, なるほど? or 〜ことがある/ない to show consequence, or another verb phrase indicating change or result.
食べれば食べるほど、体重が増える。
たべればたべるほど、たいじゅうがふえる。
The more you eat, the more your weight increases.
勉強すればするほど、成績が良くなる。
べんきょうすればするほど、せいせきがよくなる。
The more you study, the better your grades become.
日本語が上手な人ほど、外国人と話すのが苦手だと思う。
にほんごがじょうずなひとほど、がいこくじんとはなすのがにがてだとおもう。
The more proficient someone is at Japanese, the harder they feel talking with foreigners.
彼ほど真面目な人はいない。
かれほどまじめなひとはいない。
There is no one as serious as him.