Yukaもしよろしければ and 出来れば — both are ways to soften a request in Japanese, but one is much more polite than the other. Do you know which?
Reiもしよろしければ (moshi yoroshikereba) is very polite — literally “if it would be acceptable to you.” 出来れば (dekireba) means “if possible” — softer than a direct request but less formal.
| もしよろしければ | 出来れば (dekireba) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | If it would be acceptable to you / if you don’t mind | If possible / if you can |
| Register | Very polite, formal | Polite but casual-friendly |
| Used in | Business, formal requests, customer service | Everyday polite requests |
| Example | もしよろしければ、ご確認いただけますか。 | 出来れば早めに教えてください。 |
もしよろしければ — The Polite Opener
もし (moshi) = if. よろしければ = if it is acceptable / if you don’t mind (polite conditional of よろしい). Together: “If it would be alright with you…” This is very formal and considerate — used in business emails, customer service, and polite requests to superiors.
- もしよろしければ、資料をお送りします。— If it would be acceptable, I will send the materials.
- もしよろしければ、一緒にいかがでしょうか。— If you don’t mind, would you care to join us?
- もしよろしければ、ご意見をお聞かせください。— If you don’t mind, please share your opinion.
出来れば — If Possible
出来れば (dekireba) means “if possible” — a softer, more flexible way to make a request. It works in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
- 出来れば早めに返事をください。— If possible, please reply early.
- 出来れば直接会って話したい。— If possible, I’d like to meet in person.
- 出来れば静かにしてほしい。— If you can, I’d like you to be quiet.
Formality Ladder
| Expression | Level | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| もしよろしければ | Very formal | Maximum consideration for the other person |
| 出来れば / できれば | Polite | Requesting while acknowledging it may not be possible |
| なるべく | Casual-polite | Preferably / as much as possible |
| 〜してください | Neutral | Direct request |
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
English speakers often skip these softeners and go straight to direct requests, which can sound blunt in Japanese. In business Japanese especially, starting with もしよろしければ before a request significantly increases politeness. Even in casual settings, 出来れば softens a request effectively.
Quick Quiz
Which phrase is more appropriate in a business email to a client?
Answer: もしよろしければ — it is the most considerate and formal opener.
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