Translation guide
Expresses the idea of doing or having something to the extent one desires, without limit. Japanese uses various adverbs, verb forms, and set phrases depending on whether the focus is on quantity, degree, or freedom of action.
Expressing that someone can do something freely, without restriction, to the fullest extent they desire.
A common adverbial phrase meaning 'to one's heart's content' or 'as much as one wants'. Used with verbs to indicate doing something fully and without holding back.
今日は思う存分遊びましょう。
Let's play as much as we want today.
思う存分食べてください。
Please eat as much as you like.
Literally 'only as much as one likes'. A very common and versatile phrase used after verbs or nouns to mean 'as much as one wants'. Suitable for both casual and polite contexts.
好きなだけ取ってください。
Please take as much as you want.
好きなだけここにいていいよ。
You can stay here as long as you want.
A pattern using the -tai form of a verb + dake, meaning 'as much as one wants to do'. More specific than 'suki na dake' as it focuses on the desire to do a particular action.
食べたいだけ食べていいですよ。
You can eat as much as you want.
泣きたいだけ泣いたら、すっきりした。
After crying as much as I wanted, I felt better.
A slightly literary or formal phrase meaning 'to one's heart's content' or 'until one is satisfied'. Often used in written language or polite speech.
心ゆくまでお楽しみください。
Please enjoy yourself to your heart's content.
Focusing on an unlimited amount of something, often with verbs like eat, drink, take, etc.
Means 'any amount', 'as much as one wants'. Often used with verbs like eat, drink, or have. Implies there is no limit to the quantity.
いくらでも食べられます。
I can eat as much as I want.
お金はいくらでもある。
I have as much money as I want.
Literally 'as much as one wants' (for things). Used with nouns or as an adverb. More direct than 'suki na dake' when the focus is on wanting something.
欲しいだけ持っていっていいよ。
You can take as much as you want.
A suffix meaning 'all-you-can-' or 'as much as one wants'. Commonly used in set phrases like 食べ放題 (all-you-can-eat) or 飲み放題 (all-you-can-drink).
この店は食べ放題です。
This restaurant is all-you-can-eat.
飲み放題のプランがあります。
There is an all-you-can-drink plan.
Expressing that an action or state can be done to any degree, often with adjectives or adverbs.
A versatile pattern where 'dake' follows a verb or adjective to mean 'as much as'. The preceding word indicates the extent.
必要なだけお金をあげる。
I'll give you as much money as you need.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as early as possible.
A pattern meaning 'the more... the more...'. It can express 'as much as one wants' in the sense of increasing degree.
食べれば食べるほど太る。
The more you eat, the more weight you gain.
好きなだけ is more common in everyday speech and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. 思う存分 is slightly more emphatic and often used when encouraging someone to fully enjoy something without reservation.
好きなだけどうぞ。
Help yourself to as much as you want.
思う存分楽しんでください。
Please enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Avoid directly translating 'as much as one wants' word-for-word. Phrases like 欲しいほど or 望むだけ are not natural in most contexts. Use the set phrases provided instead.
好きなだけ飴を取っていいよ。
You can take as much candy as you want.
週末は好きなだけ寝たい。
I want to sleep as much as I want on weekends.