What it means
ほど marks a degree or extent, meaning “to the extent that” or “as much as.” It can follow a noun, a plain-form verb, or an adjective phrase. With a noun, it often compares one person or thing with others; with a clause or adjective, it shows that something reaches an unusually high degree. In this use, the phrase before ほど describes the degree, and the rest of the sentence states the result or evaluation.
Usage note
ほど also has other uses, such as expressing an approximate amount after a number or counter. This entry focuses on its degree and comparison uses.
How to use it
彼ほど速く走れる人はいません。
There is no one who can run as fast as he can.
不思議なほど、部屋は静かでした。
The room was surprisingly quiet.
目が痛いほど、光が強かったです。
The light was so strong that it hurt my eyes.
声が出なくなるほど、緊張しました。
I became so nervous that my voice stopped coming out.
彼ほど速く走れる人はいない。
There is no one who can run as fast as he can.
不思議なほど、部屋は静かだった。
The room was surprisingly quiet.
目が痛いほど、光が強かった。
The light was so strong that it hurt my eyes.
声が出なくなるほど、緊張した。
I became so nervous that my voice stopped coming out.
Example sentences
彼は立っていられないほど疲れていた。
He was so tired that he could not remain standing.
日本では、春の京都ほど写真を撮りたくなる場所はない。
In Japan, there is no place that makes me want to take pictures as much as Kyoto in spring.
この図書館ほど静かに勉強できる場所はありません。
There is no place where one can study as quietly as in this library.