What is the difference between "なるべく" and "果たして" for "as"?

"なるべく" is generally used for "as much as possible, as ~ as one can" (N4), while "果たして" represents "as expected, really" (B2).

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

Japanese Option B

果たして

はたして (hatashite)

B2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "as" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between なるべく and 果たして. 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, 果たして (はたして (hatashite)) maps to "as expected, really" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "果たして"

私は果たしてに興味があります。

I am interested in as expected, really.

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.". "果たして" represents "as expected, really".