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
思い通り
おもいどおり (omoi-doori)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between できるだけ and 思い通り.
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, 思い通り (おもいどおり (omoi-doori)) maps to "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with に to express 'doing something as one wishes' or 'things going as expected'. Can be positive or negative, depending on context. 「計画が思い通りに進む」. 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 "思い通り"
試験が思い通りに進んで、安心した。
The exam went as I expected, so I was relieved.
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.". "思い通り" represents "as one wishes; as one expected; according to one's thoughts".