How to Say ‘If possible’ in Japanese
できれば
dekire ba
[deh-kee-reh bah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [できれば] is very useful in service situations because it makes a request sound flexible rather than demanding. It suggests a preference, not an order.
Phrase Breakdown
できれ
dekire
[deh-kee-reh]
if possible
From できる; this part means if one can, or if possible.
できれば、近い道でお願いします。
If possible, please take the shorter road.
ば
ba
[bah]
if
Conditional ending meaning if or when in this pattern.
できれば、近い道でお願いします。
If possible, please take the shorter road.
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