なるべく

なるべく
adverb
as much as possible; if possible
1. as much as possible; if possible
Indicates a desire to do something to the greatest extent circumstances allow.
なるべく早(はや)く来(き)てください。
Please come as early as possible.
なるべく静(しず)かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
野菜(やさい)をなるべく食(た)べるようにしています。
I try to eat vegetables as much as possible.
体(からだ)のために、なるべく毎日(まいにち)歩(ある)くようにしています。
For my health, I try to walk every day as much as possible.
子供(こども)にはなるべく自分(じぶん)で考(かんが)えさせるようにしているけど、難(むずか)しい時(とき)は手伝(てつだ)っている。
I try to let my children think for themselves as much as possible, but I help when it's difficult.

なるべく expresses a soft preference or desire to do something to the extent possible.

なるべく vs できるだけ:

  • なるべく: softer, preference-based ('if you can')
  • できるだけ: stronger, effort-based ('do your best to')

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • なるべく早(はや)く: as soon as possible
  • なるべく安(やす)く: as cheaply as possible
  • なるべく〜ようにする: to try to ~ as much as possible
  • なるべく〜ないようにする: to try not to ~ as much as possible

USAGE NOTES:

  • Often used in polite requests
  • Implies flexibility - not an absolute requirement
  • Can modify adjectives, verbs, or entire phrases

EXAMPLE NUANCES:

ETYMOLOGY:
From なる (to become) + べく (in order to), meaning 'in order to make it happen'

Related Words

Synonym: できる限(かぎ)り (slightly formal)
core
Added 2026.1.8 12:55 · Revised 2026.6.8 11:21
01000/01281_narubeku