なるべく
As ~ as possible, Wherever practicable
Structure
Explanation
なるべく is formed from 成る (to become) and the old word 可く (permissible), giving it the underlying sense of 'as circumstances permit'. In everyday use, it's typically translated as 'as much as possible' or 'whenever possible'.
Typically written in hiragana, なるべく is placed before a verb or clause to indicate that an action should be performed to the greatest extent that the situation allows.
- 風邪をひかないように、なるべく暖かい服を着てください。To avoid catching a cold, please wear warm clothes as much as possible.
- 忙しくても、なるべく野菜をたくさん食べてくださいね。Even when you're busy, try to eat plenty of vegetables whenever possible.
Because なるべく implies doing something 'if the situation allows', it has a gentler and more considerate nuance than できるだけ. できるだけ, while similar, carries a stronger sense of doing something 'to the absolute limit of one's ability'.
- この荷物は、できるだけ強く結んでください。Please tie this luggage as tightly as you possibly can.
- この荷物は、なるべく強く結んでください。Please tie this luggage as tightly as possible.
Examples
図書館では、なるべく静かにしてください。
In the library, please be as quiet as possible.
健康のために、なるべく野菜を食べるようにしている。
For my health, I try to eat as many vegetables as possible.
お客さまにはなるべく丁寧な言葉を使いましょう。
Let's use as polite language as possible with customers.
なるべく安いチケットを探しています。
I'm looking for a ticket that is as cheap as possible.
なるべく簡単に説明してもらえますか。
Could you explain it as simply as possible?
夏休みはなるべく沢山本を読みたいです。
During summer vacation, I want to read as many books as possible.
なるべくミスをしないように気をつけます。
I will be careful to make as few mistakes as possible.
リラックスする時は、なるべく深く息を吸ってください。
When you relax, please breathe as deeply as possible.
なるべくまっすぐ線を引いてください。
Please draw the line as straight as possible.
この料理は、なるべく新鮮な材料を使った方がいい。
It's better to use ingredients that are as fresh as possible for this dish.
スーツケースに入れるために、服はなるべく小さく畳みます。
To fit them in the suitcase, I will fold my clothes as small as possible.
旅行の荷物はなるべく軽くしたい。
I want to make my travel luggage as light as possible.