Translation guide
A guide to expressing the English phrase 'so far as' in Japanese, covering its use in limiting scope, expressing extent, and in fixed phrases.
Expressing that something is true only within certain limits or to a certain degree.
Used to say 'as far as A is concerned, B'. A is a noun or a clause indicating the source or scope of information.
私の知るかぎりでは、彼は無実です。
So far as I know, he is innocent.
So far as the weather forecast goes, it will rain tomorrow.
More formal, meaning 'as far as A is concerned'. A is a noun.
この問題に関するかぎり、まだ解決策は見つかっていない。
So far as this problem is concerned, a solution has not yet been found.
Similar to かぎりでは, but slightly more formal or literary. A is a noun.
私の記憶の限りでは、そのようなことはなかった。
So far as my memory goes, such a thing did not happen.
Expressing that one will do something to the maximum extent possible.
Means 'as much as possible' or 'to the fullest extent'. Often used with verbs.
できるかぎり早く来てください。
Please come as soon as possible.
できるかぎりのことをします。
I will do everything I can.
Means 'as much as possible' or 'if possible'. Slightly less formal than できるかぎり.
なるべく静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possible.
Formal expression meaning 'as far as possible'.
可能なかぎり早急に対応します。
We will respond as soon as possible.
Expressing that one action or state is true only to the extent that another is true.
Means 'as long as A is the case, B'. A is a verb or adjective in dictionary form or negative form.
生きているかぎり、希望はある。
So far as we are alive, there is hope.
雨が降らないかぎり、試合は行われます。
The game will be held so far as it doesn't rain.
Means 'since A is the case, B naturally follows'. Often used for logical consequences.
約束した以上、守らなければならない。
So far as you have promised, you must keep it.
The common English phrase used to qualify a statement based on one's knowledge.
Direct equivalent, used in both spoken and written Japanese.
私の知る限り、彼はまだ来ていません。
So far as I know, he hasn't arrived yet.
Slightly more conversational variant.
私が知っている限りでは、問題はないはずです。
So far as I know, there shouldn't be a problem.
Use かぎり for conditional 'as long as' or 'to the extent that'. Use 限りでは when limiting the scope of a statement based on a source of information (e.g., 'as far as I know').
努力するかぎり、成功する。
So far as you make an effort, you will succeed.
私の知る限りでは、彼は来ない。
So far as I know, he won't come.
Do not translate 'so far as' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 'その程度まで' are unnatural. Use the patterns above instead.
できるかぎり手伝います。
I'll help you so far as I can.