Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "As" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "as", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
なるべく
なるべく (narubeku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さすが
さすが (sasuga)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なるべく and さすが.
In Japanese, なるべく (なるべく (narubeku)) is typically associated with "as much as possible, as ~ as one can" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverb. Used to encourage or suggest doing something to the greatest extent possible or practical..
On the other hand, さすが (さすが (sasuga)) maps to "as expected, indeed, just like you (him/her)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses admiration or confirmation that something meets expectations, often positive. Can also imply 'even. A literal translation of "as" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "なるべく"
なるべく早く来てください。
Please come as early as possible.
Bilingual Context for "さすが"
難しい問題を簡単に解いた彼を見て、さすがだと思った。
Seeing him easily solve a difficult problem, I thought, 'as expected of him'.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 早く来てください。" (Meaning: "Please come as early as possible.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "なるべく" fits here because it means "as much as possible, as ~ as one can" in the context of: "Please come as early as possible.". "さすが" represents "as expected, indeed, just like you (him/her)".