Translation guide
Expresses the idea of doing something to the greatest extent achievable, within limits. Common in requests, instructions, and descriptions of effort.
The speaker wants to maximize an action or state, often in requests or when describing efforts.
The most common and neutral way to say 'as much as possible' or 'as far as possible'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as early as possible.
できるだけ静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
Similar to できるだけ, but slightly more casual and often used in spoken Japanese. Implies 'if possible' or 'as much as circumstances allow'.
なるべく早く返事をください。
Please reply as soon as possible.
なるべく安いのを探しています。
I'm looking for the cheapest one possible.
A more formal and written expression, often used in official documents or serious requests. Literally 'as far as possible'.
可能な限り早急に対応いたします。
We will respond as soon as possible.
Similar to 可能な限り but slightly less formal. Emphasizes doing everything within one's power.
できる限りのことはします。
I'll do everything I can.
The speaker wants to indicate that something is true or should be done up to a certain point, but not beyond.
Used to say 'as far as I know/see/hear' etc. It limits the scope of a statement to the speaker's knowledge or observation.
私の知る限りでは、彼は無実です。
As far as I know, he is innocent.
見た限りでは、問題はなさそうだ。
As far as I can see, there seems to be no problem.
Means 'as long as' or 'provided that'. Used to set a condition under which something holds true.
ここにいる限り、安全です。
As long as you are here, you are safe.
The speaker refers to a physical distance or spatial extent.
Both mean 'as much as possible', but できるだけ is more direct and can be used in any situation. なるべく is slightly softer and often implies 'if you can' or 'preferably'. In formal writing, 可能な限り is preferred.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as early as possible. (direct request)
なるべく早く来てください。
Please come as early as you can. (softer request)
The phrase 'as far as possible' is not used for conditional 'as long as' in English. In Japanese, ～限り can mean both, but context distinguishes them. For 'as long as' (conditional), use ～限り or ～さえすれば.
努力する限り、成功する。
As long as you make an effort, you will succeed.
As long as you make an effort, you will succeed.