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
やはり
やはり (yahari)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なるべく and やはり.
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, やはり (やはり (yahari)) maps to "as expected, after all, too, also" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverb. Implies that something is as one thought or expected. Also has a slightly more formal variant '矢張り'. 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 "やはり"
やはり、彼はそのニュースを知っていました。
As expected, he knew that news.
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.". "やはり" represents "as expected, after all, too, also".