Japanese · Question Words
どのくらい
dono kurai
How far / How long / How much
Intermediatephrase
Definition
A flexible question phrase asking about extent, distance, or duration. It can replace specific question words when the scale or degree is unknown.
Example
駅までどのくらいかかりますか？
How long does it take to get to the station?
Etymology
'どのくらい' (dono kurai) combines the interrogative 'どの' (dono, 'which') with 'くらい' (kurai, 'extent' or 'degree'), reflecting the form's historical evolution to inquire about extent or distance.
How & Where It’s Used
'どのくらい' (dono kurai) is often used in everyday conversation, both spoken and written, to ask about distance or duration, and is quite informal.