Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
できるだけ
できるだけ (dekirudake)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
まるで
まるで (marude)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between できるだけ and まるで.
In Japanese, できるだけ (できるだけ (dekirudake)) is typically associated with "as much as possible, as soon as possible" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverbial phrase. Expresses the desire or necessity to do something to the maximum extent or degree possible. Often combined with adverbs like 早く.
On the other hand, まるで (まるで (marude)) maps to "as if, just like, entirely" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used with 「～のように」 or 「～みたいに」 to express a strong resemblance or a comparison. Can also be used with negative forms like 「まるで～ない」 to mean 'not at all'.. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "できるだけ"
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.
Bilingual Context for "まるで"
彼女はまるでプロの歌手のように歌う。
She sings as if she were a professional singer.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 早く宿題を終わらせたいです。" (Meaning: "I want to finish my homework as soon as possible.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "できるだけ" fits here because it means "as much as possible, as soon as possible" in the context of: "I want to finish my homework as soon as possible.". "まるで" represents "as if, just like, entirely".