conditional N3 common casualpolitewritten
できれば — if possible
できれば
Meaning
- if possible / if it can be managed — softens a request or preference
Key sentence
できれば、明日までに返事がほしいです。
If possible, I'd like a reply by tomorrow.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Set phrase (potential ば-conditional of できる) | できれば (fixed) | できれば + [request / preference] |
Examples
できれば窓側の席にしてください。
If possible, please make it a window seat.
できれば、もう少し安いほうがいい。
If it can be done, a bit cheaper would be better.
できればこの仕事は断りたかった。
If I could, I would have wanted to turn down this job.
Easily confused with
Notes
- できたら is a near-synonym with the same 'if possible' meaning, slightly more casual. できれば pairs naturally with polite requests to make them less imposing.
See できれば in real sentences
Jengo shows できれば the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled from published Japanese grammar references.