§ What できるだけ Means
- Japanese Word
- できるだけ (adverb)
- Definition
- As much as possible; as much as one can.
You've probably heard this phrase quite a bit if you watch Japanese dramas, anime, or news. 「できるだけ」 is a super practical phrase that means 'as much as possible' or 'as much as one can'. It's used in many different situations, from casual conversations to more formal settings like work or school. It's a B1 level word, so it's not super advanced, but it's essential for clear communication.
§ Examples in Daily Life
Let's look at how 「できるだけ」 is used in real-world situations. You'll hear this word in a lot of different contexts. Here are a few common ones:
- Giving instructions or making requests.
- Talking about personal goals or efforts.
- Discussing limitations or ideal scenarios.
できるだけ早く来てください。
- Hint
- Please come as soon as possible.
This is a classic example you'd hear at work or from a friend. It's a polite way to ask someone to hurry up without being too demanding.
できるだけ毎日日本語を勉強しています。
- Hint
- I study Japanese every day as much as possible.
This sentence shows personal effort. You're saying you try your best to study every day, even if you sometimes miss a day. It sets a reasonable expectation.
§ In Work and School
In a professional or academic setting, 「できるだけ」 is very common. It shows diligence and a proactive attitude.
このプロジェクトは、できるだけ早く完了させてください。
- Hint
- Please complete this project as soon as possible.
Your boss might say this. It's a clear directive, but with the understanding that there might be some limitations. It's not an absolute 'finish it by tomorrow' but more of a 'do your best to finish it quickly'.
試験のために、できるだけ多くの単語を覚えます。
- Hint
- I will memorize as many words as possible for the exam.
This is something a diligent student would say. They're committing to maximum effort in their studies.
§ In News and Public Announcements
Even in formal contexts like news broadcasts or public service announcements, 「できるだけ」 is used to convey important messages with a sense of urgency or recommendation.
災害時は、できるだけ外出を避けてください。
- Hint
- During a disaster, please avoid going out as much as possible.
This is a common instruction you'd hear during an emergency. It's not a strict prohibition, but a strong recommendation for safety.
§ Variations and Similar Phrases
While 「できるだけ」 is very versatile, you might also hear similar phrases:
可能な限り (かのうなかぎり): This is a more formal way of saying 'as much as possible'. You'll hear it in business or official documents.
なるべく: This also means 'as much as possible' or 'if possible'. It's a bit softer and often used for advice or suggestions.
For most everyday conversations, 「できるだけ」 is perfectly fine and often preferred due to its natural sound.
Keep an ear out for 「できるだけ」 in your Japanese listening practice. The more you hear it in different contexts, the better you'll understand its nuances and when to use it yourself. Good luck with your studies!
How Formal Is It?
"可能な限り、ご協力をお願いいたします。"
"できるだけ、早く連絡します。"
"できるだけ、がんばるね。"
"できるだけ、お手伝いしてね。"
"めいっぱい頑張るわ。"
Fun Fact
This phrase is a very common and practical way to express 'as much as you can' in various situations, from work to daily life. It emphasizes effort within one's capabilities.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'u' in 'ru' too strongly
- Failing to articulate the double 'k' sound
Examples by Level
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as quickly as possible.
できるだけ静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
できるだけ頑張ります。
I will do my best.
できるだけ多くの本を読みます。
I read as many books as possible.
できるだけ日本語を話します。
I speak Japanese as much as possible.
できるだけ早く宿題を終わらせます。
I will finish my homework as quickly as possible.
できるだけお金を節約します。
I save as much money as possible.
できるだけ健康に気をつけます。
I take care of my health as much as possible.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as soon as possible.
できるだけ静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
できるだけたくさんの本を読んでください。
Please read as many books as possible.
できるだけ毎日運動しています。
I exercise as much as possible every day.
できるだけ日本語で話しましょう。
Let's speak in Japanese as much as possible.
できるだけ安く旅行したいです。
I want to travel as cheaply as possible.
できるだけ早く問題を解決します。
I will solve the problem as quickly as possible.
できるだけ多くの情報が必要です。
I need as much information as possible.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as quickly as possible.
できるだけ + Adverb (早く) to modify a verb.
できるだけ多くの本を読んでください。
Please read as many books as possible.
できるだけ + Adjective (多くの) to modify a noun.
できるだけ日本語を話すようにしています。
I try to speak Japanese as much as possible.
できるだけ + Verb (話す) in the plain form + ようにしています (to try to do something).
できるだけ静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
できるだけ + Adjective (静かに) to modify a verb.
できるだけ詳しく説明してください。
Please explain in as much detail as possible.
できるだけ + Adverb (詳しく) to modify a verb.
できるだけ環境に優しい製品を選んでいます。
I choose environmentally friendly products as much as possible.
できるだけ + Adjective (環境に優しい) to modify a noun.
できるだけ早く宿題を終わらせたいです。
I want to finish my homework as soon as possible.
できるだけ + Adverb (早く) to modify a verb.
できるだけお金を節約するようにしています。
I try to save as much money as possible.
できるだけ + Noun (お金) + を節約する (to save money).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as soon as possible.
できるだけ野菜を食べます。
I eat as many vegetables as possible.
できるだけ早くご連絡します。
I will contact you as soon as possible.
できるだけ多くの人に知らせたい。
I want to let as many people know as possible.
できるだけ正確に書いてください。
Please write as accurately as possible.
できるだけ安く買いたいです。
I want to buy it as cheaply as possible.
できるだけ早く仕事を終えたい。
I want to finish the work as soon as possible.
できるだけたくさんの本を読みたい。
I want to read as many books as possible.
できるだけ静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
できるだけ詳しく説明してください。
Please explain in as much detail as possible.
Word Origin
できる (dekiru, 'to be able to do') + だけ (dake, 'only, just')
Original meaning: The combination literally means 'only what one is able to do' or 'just to the extent of one's ability.'
JaponicCultural Context
できるだけ is frequently used in requests or when promising to do something. It reflects a cultural nuance of striving for one's best while acknowledging limitations. It's a polite and common way to set expectations without over-promising, showing a humble yet diligent attitude.
Test Yourself 42 questions
今日の宿題は、___早く終わらせたいです。
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ早く終わらせたい (want to finish as quickly as possible)」が適切です。
健康のために、___毎日運動しています。
「できるだけ」は「as much as one can」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ毎日運動しています (exercise every day as much as possible)」が適切です。
新しいプロジェクトは、___早く始めましょう。
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ早く始めましょう (Let's start as soon as possible)」が適切です。
会議の時間は、___短くしたいです。
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ短くしたい (want to make it as short as possible)」が適切です。
困っている人がいたら、___助けてあげてください。
「できるだけ」は「as much as one can」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ助けてあげてください (please help them as much as you can)」が適切です。
旅行の準備は、___早く済ませた方がいいですよ。
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」を意味し、この文脈では「できるだけ早く済ませた方がいい (it's better to finish as soon as possible)」が適切です。
Choose the best English translation for 「できるだけ早く来てください。」
「できるだけ」means 'as much as possible' or 'as much as one can'. In this sentence, it modifies 「早く」 (early/quickly), so 'as soon as possible' is the most accurate translation.
Which sentence correctly uses 「できるだけ」?
「できるだけ」is an adverb and modifies verbs or adjectives. In '私はできるだけ本を読みます。' (I read as many books as possible.), it modifies the verb 「読みます」 (read). The other options misuse the word grammatically.
Fill in the blank: 「_____ お手伝いします。」
The sentence means 'I will help as much as possible.' 「できるだけ」fits perfectly here to express the extent of help. 「たぶん」 (maybe), 「いつも」 (always), and 「決して」 (never) do not fit the meaning.
The sentence 「できるだけたくさん食べてください。」 means 'Please eat a little.'
「できるだけたくさん食べてください。」 means 'Please eat as much as possible.' or 'Please eat as much as you can.' The phrase 「たくさん」 means 'a lot'. Therefore, the statement is false.
「できるだけ」 can be used to express an effort to do something to the greatest extent possible.
Yes, 「できるだけ」 precisely means 'as much as possible' or 'as much as one can,' indicating maximum effort or quantity within one's ability. This statement is true.
The phrase 「できるだけ」 can be directly followed by a noun.
「できるだけ」 is an adverb, so it modifies verbs or adjectives. It cannot directly precede a noun without a particle or other grammatical construction. For example, you wouldn't say 'できるだけ本' but rather 'できるだけ多くの本' (as many books as possible). This statement is false.
Write a sentence in Japanese asking someone to do their best to come to a party.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
パーティーにできるだけ来てください。
You want to finish your homework as much as possible before dinner. Write a Japanese sentence to express this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
晩ごはんの前に、できるだけ宿題を終わらせたいです。
Write a sentence in Japanese telling someone to study as much as possible for an upcoming test.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
テストのために、できるだけ勉強してください。
Bさんは何をするつもりですか？
Read this passage:
A: 明日は忙しいですか？ B: はい、でも、できるだけ早く終わらせて、あなたの手伝いをします。 A: ありがとうございます！
Bさんは何をするつもりですか？
Bさんは「できるだけ早く終わらせて、あなたの手伝いをします」と言っています。
Bさんは「できるだけ早く終わらせて、あなたの手伝いをします」と言っています。
この人は何のために運動していますか？
Read this passage:
私は健康のために、できるだけ毎日運動しています。でも、雨の日は家で休むこともあります。
この人は何のために運動していますか？
文中に「健康のために」とあります。
文中に「健康のために」とあります。
この人たちがホテルを選ぶ上で、最も重視していることは何ですか？
Read this passage:
私たちは旅行の計画を立てています。できるだけ安いホテルを見つけたいですが、駅に近い場所がいいです。
この人たちがホテルを選ぶ上で、最も重視していることは何ですか？
「できるだけ安いホテルを見つけたいですが、駅に近い場所がいいです」とあるので、両方を重視しています。
「できるだけ安いホテルを見つけたいですが、駅に近い場所がいいです」とあるので、両方を重視しています。
This sentence means 'He wants to finish the work as soon as possible.' The order is subject (彼), adverb (できるだけ早く), object (仕事を), and then the verb phrase (終えたいと思っている).
This sentence translates to 'We need to gather as much information as possible.' The structure is subject (私たち), adverbial phrase (できるだけ多くの), object (情報を), and the verb phrase (集める必要がある).
This means 'For my health, I try to exercise every day as much as possible.' The phrase '健康のため' sets the context, followed by the 'できるだけ毎日運動するようにしています' which describes the action.
Someone is saying they will contact someone as soon as possible.
The speaker is asking to gather as much information as possible.
This is a request to be as quiet as possible.
Read this aloud:
できるだけ早く仕事を終わらせます。
Focus: できるだけ (Dekiru dake)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
できるだけ詳しく説明してください。
Focus: 説明してください (setsumei shite kudasai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
できるだけ頻繁に日本語を練習しています。
Focus: 練習しています (renshū shite imasu)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
このプロジェクトを成功させるためには、___早く始めることが重要です。 (It's important to start this project as early as possible for its success.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、この文脈では「as early as possible」という時間的な制約と合わせて使われます。
プレゼンテーションの準備は、___完璧になるように努力しました。 (I tried to make the presentation preparation as perfect as possible.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、ここでは「as perfect as possible」という目標達成の度合いを表しています。
この複雑な問題を解決するには、___多くの情報を集める必要があります。(To solve this complex problem, we need to gather as much information as possible.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、ここでは「as much information as possible」という情報の量を示しています。
お客様の要望に___応えられるよう、最善を尽くします。 (We will do our best to meet customer requests as much as possible.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、ここではお客様の要望に「as much as possible」応えるという努力の姿勢を表しています。
海外出張中は、___現地の文化を体験するよう心がけています。 (During overseas business trips, I try to experience the local culture as much as possible.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、ここでは現地の文化を「as much as possible」体験するという積極的な態度を示しています。
環境保護のため、私たちは___ゴミを減らす努力をすべきです。 (For environmental protection, we should try to reduce waste as much as possible.)
「できるだけ」は「as much as possible」の意味で、ここではゴミを「as much as possible」減らすという目標達成の度合いを表しています。
This sentence means 'They tried to finish the project as soon as possible.' The order follows the typical Japanese sentence structure.
This sentence translates to 'To maintain health, I exercise every day as much as possible.' The adverbs 'できるだけ' and '毎日' are placed before the verb.
This sentence means 'At the meeting, I want to hear as many opinions as possible.' The phrase 'できるだけ多くの' modifies '意見'.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Example
できるだけ早くご連絡いたします。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
