できれば
If possible
Structure
できたら + Phrase
Explanation
Because the verb する does not have a potential form, the ru-verb できる ('to be able to/possible') is used in its place. It is frequently combined with particles to express that the possibility for something to happen exists. The conditional particles ば or たら are the most common choices. Both できれば and できたら are typically translated as 'if possible'.
できれば and できたら are placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a clause that states a request or a desired outcome.
- 出来れば図書館に行って本を予約したいけど、今日は閉まっているかもしれない。If possible, I'd like to go to the library and reserve a book, but it might be closed today.
- 出来たらこの料理のレシピを教えてくれる？If possible, could you tell me the recipe for this dish?
Caution
The conditional markers ば and たら are uniquely suited for expressing how a potential outcome might be reached. For this reason, using なら or と would be grammatically incorrect in this context. Here is a breakdown of why:
(A) できると - This form indicates a direct and certain consequence that follows once (A) becomes possible, rather than expressing the condition needed to make it happen.
(A) できるなら - Since なら is the conditional form of だ, it is used to discuss a topic or make a suggestion assuming that the situation of (A) is true. It doesn't focus on using that possibility to achieve a different result.
Examples
できたらこの書類を部長に渡してください。
If possible, please give these documents to the manager.
できれば窓際の席に座りたいな。
If possible, I'd love to sit by the window.
できればもう少し静かにしていただけませんか。
If possible, could you please be a little quieter?
あなたも参加できたら嬉しいです。
If you can make it, I would be very happy.
できれば将来は田舎で暮らしたい。
Ideally, I'd like to live in the countryside in the future.
できたらこの荷物を運ぶのを手伝ってほしい。
If you can, I'd like you to help me carry this baggage.
この宿題、できれば明日の朝までに終わらせたい。
If possible, I want to get this homework finished by tomorrow morning.
できたら駅まで迎えに来てもらえませんか？
If it's not too much trouble, could you come and pick me up at the station?
できれば会議は午後にしたいと思っています。
If possible, I would prefer to have the meeting in the afternoon.
できたらもう一度説明してください。
If you don't mind, could you please explain that one more time?
できれば予約の時間を変更させてもらえませんか。
If at all possible, would you allow me to change my appointment time?
できればプレゼントは自分で選びたい。
I'd prefer to choose the present myself, if possible.