# なるべく: as much as possible > Learn how to use なるべく, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning as much as possible, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-naru-beku/ **なるべく** means **as much as possible**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **ask or try to do something to the greatest reasonable extent**. This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **ask or try to do something to the greatest reasonable extent**, **なるべく** is a useful pattern to learn. ## What does なるべく mean? Use **なるべく** when you want to **ask or try to do something to the greatest reasonable extent**. Natural translations include: - as much as possible - if at all possible - wherever possible The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form なるべく

なるべく + phrase

Examples of the pattern: - なるべく早く - なるべく静かに - なるべく毎日 The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is なるべく used? Use **なるべく** in situations like: - explaining context clearly - answering JLPT reading questions - making natural Japanese sentences Tone and register: - neutral - Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences ## なるべく example sentences

なるべく早はやく返事へんじをください。

Please reply as soon as possible.

polite request

なるべく毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを聞きいています。

I try to listen to Japanese every day as much as possible.

habit

なるべく静しずかにしてください。

Please be as quiet as possible.

instruction

荷物にもつはなるべく少すくなくしたい。

I want to keep my luggage as small as possible.

desire

なるべく分わかりやすく説明せつめいします。

I will explain as clearly as possible.

commitment

After reading each sentence, ask what job **なるべく** is doing: asking or trying to do something to the greatest reasonable extent. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of なるべく The key nuance is **a practical way to express “as much as possible” with the right level of emphasis**. This matters because **なるべく** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence. For example: - In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance. - Compared with **できるだけ**, it has a different focus and level of formality. ## なるべく vs できるだけ Both **なるべく** and **できるだけ** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

なるべく

as much as possible; to the greatest reasonable extent

Fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance of measured, practical effort.

なるべく早はやく返事へんじをください。

Please reply as soon as possible.

できるだけ

as much as possible; to the best of one's ability

Very close in meaning, but emphasizes the upper limit of one's ability rather than reasonable practicality.

出来できるだけ早はやく返事へんじをください。

Please reply as soon as you can.

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence a practical request or a push to the maximum? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with なるべく

❌

Using なるべく with the wrong form or attaching it directly to a noun instead of modifying an adjective or adverb phrase.

✅

Use なるべく to modify adjectives and adverbs, such as なるべく早く or なるべく静かに.

❌

Confusing なるべく with できるだけ and using them interchangeably without checking nuance.

✅

Remember that なるべく emphasizes reasonable effort, while できるだけ emphasizes maximum ability.

❌

Translating なるべく too literally in isolation instead of reading the whole sentence for context.

✅

Always read the full sentence to confirm whether なるべく is expressing a practical limit or a polite request.

## Is なるべく on the JLPT?

Yes. なるべく is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.

recognize it in reading
understand its nuance in context
use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for なるべく

1 Write one sentence using なるべく to make a polite request. production

2 Contrast なるべく with できるだけ in your own example. comparison

3 Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context for なるべく. context

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for なるべく To learn **なるべく** efficiently, start with its placement, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

First, make sure you can place なるべく naturally before adjectives and adverbs without looking at the pattern chart.

Next, compare it with できるだけ. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance of reasonable effort versus maximum ability.

Finally, write sentences where なるべく is necessary; then check whether replacing it with できるだけ changes the feeling of the sentence.

## Related grammar to review next - [わざと](/blog/n3-wazato/) — because it also describes doing something intentionally or on purpose - [わざわざ](/blog/n3-wazawaza/) — because it also expresses going out of one's way to do something - [どうしても](/blog/n3-doushitemo/) — because it also conveys strong determination or necessity to do something - [ようとする](/blog/n3-you-to-suru/) — because it also expresses trying or attempting to do something ## Learn なるべく with Hane If you want to review **なるべく** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)