できれば
dekireba
The English word "hopefully" can be expressed in Japanese as できれば (dekireba).
できれば is used to express a desire or a hope for a certain outcome, functioning like "if possible" or "if I can".
Meaning: it is hoped that (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
できれば is a combination of the potential verb dekiru (to be able to) and the conditional particle ba (if), literally meaning "if it is possible".
Which one should you use?
While the English "hopefully" can often stand alone as a sentence adverb, できれば is typically used to modify a specific request or a following clause.
How does it change in a sentence?
できれば functions as a conditional adverbial phrase that expresses a hope for a specific outcome.
How do you pronounce it?
dekireba
Did you know?
- If you use できれば to ask for a favor, it functions as a 'softener' that gives the other person an easy way to say no without losing face.
- To express a strong hope for the future, Japanese speakers often use 願わくば, a literary form that sounds like a formal prayer or a deep wish from a historical drama.
- The root verb できる not only means 'to be able to' but also 'to be completed' or 'to be made', which is why できれば can subtly imply 'if it can be brought into existence'.
Examples in context
- うまくいけば、会議が成功します。Hopefully, the meeting will be successful.
- 心から勝利を願っています。I sincerely hope for victory.
- できれば、明日晴れてほしいです。dekireba, ashita harete hoshii desu.Hopefully, it will be sunny tomorrow.
- できれば、もっと安く買いたいです。dekireba, motto yasuku kaitai desu.Hopefully, I can buy it cheaper.
- できれば、早く帰りましょう。dekireba, hayaku kaerimashou.Hopefully, we can go home early.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are discussing a meeting time.
- 結衣 Yuiできれば、土曜日に会いたいな。dekireba, doyoubi ni aitai na.Hopefully, I can see you on Saturday.
- 健太 Kenta土曜日はちょっと忙しいんだ。doyoubi wa chotto isogashii nda.I'm a bit busy on Saturday.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、日曜日はどうかな？jaa, nichiyoubi wa dou kana?Then, how about Sunday?
- 健太 Kenta日曜日は大丈夫だよ！nichiyoubi wa daijoubu dayo!Sunday works for me!
