1.
as much as possible; to the utmost; to the best of one's ability
An adverb meaning to do something to the greatest extent possible. Often used when expressing effort to achieve or avoid something.
極力避けたい。
I want to avoid it as much as possible.
無駄な出費は極力抑えている。
I keep unnecessary expenses to a minimum.
環境のために、プラスチックの使用を極力減らすようにしている。
For the environment, I try to reduce plastic use as much as possible.
USAGE:
A somewhat formal adverb used in both spoken and written Japanese. Often paired with verbs of avoidance (避ける, 控える) or reduction (減らす, 抑える).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 極力避ける (to avoid as much as possible)
- 極力抑える (to keep to a minimum)
- 極力努力する (to try one's best)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- できるだけ: as much as possible — more colloquial, used in everyday speech
- なるべく: as much as possible — also colloquial, slightly softer nuance