How to Say ‘If possible’ in Japanese
できれば
dekire ba
[deh-kee-reh bah]
💬 Usage Tip: [できれば] means "if possible" and softens a request so it sounds less demanding. It's handy before preferences like [できれば、窓側でお願いします].
Phrase Breakdown
できれ
dekire
[deh-kee-reh]
if possible (stem part)
This part comes from できる, 'can do.' In できれば, it helps express a polite preference: 'if possible.'
できれば、静かな席をお願いしたいです。
If possible, I would like to request a quiet seat.
ば
ba
[bah]
if; when
Conditional ending meaning 'if.' Together with できれ, it forms 'if possible.'
空いていれば、できれば窓側でお願いします。
If available, if possible, a window seat please.
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