Translation guide
This English pattern expresses doing something to the greatest possible degree. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with できるだけ or なるべく, and sometimes with the structure ～だけ～ or ～かぎり.
The speaker wants to do something to the maximum possible degree, or asks someone else to do so.
The most common and neutral way to say 'as much as one can'. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, and in polite or casual contexts.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as early as you can.
できるだけ多くの人に知ってもらいたい。
I want as many people as possible to know about it.
Similar to できるだけ, but slightly softer and more conversational. Often used when making requests or giving advice.
Used with verbs in the potential form or with nouns to mean 'as much as one can'. For example, 食べるだけ食べる (eat as much as one can). This pattern emphasizes doing something to the limit.
食べるだけ食べてください。
Please eat as much as you can.
持てるだけ持って行っていいよ。
You can take as much as you can carry.
Used with verbs to mean 'to the fullest extent possible'. Often used in set phrases like 力のかぎり (with all one's strength). More literary or emphatic.
できるだけ is more direct and can be used in any situation. なるべく is slightly softer and often used when the speaker acknowledges that the request might be difficult to fulfill completely. In formal writing, できるだけ is preferred.
できるだけ努力します。
I will do my best (as much as I can).
なるべく早く返事をください。
Please reply as soon as you can (if possible).
なるべく静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as you can.
なるべく早めにご連絡ください。
Please contact us as early as possible.