測What you think and know
Probably, maybe
Guess at something without solid evidence: だろう says probably, and かもしれない says maybe.
Certainty
From a guess to almost sure
A weather forecaster says でしょう: not a promise, but a confident prediction.
| Word | How sure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| かもしれない | Could go either way | 来るかもしれません |
| だろう / でしょう | Probably | 来るでしょう |
| にちがいない | No doubt | 来るにちがいない |
Forms
Both follow plain forms
だ drops before these, even after な adjectives and nouns.
| Before it | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb or い adjective | 行くだろう, 高いかもしれない |
| な adjective | 静かだろう, 静かかもしれない |
| Noun | 学生だろう, 学生かもしれない |
| Past | 行っただろう, 行ったかもしれない |
だろう / でしょう
Probably
It'll probably be clear tomorrow.
He probably won't come.
Add たぶん or きっと to show how sure you are.
I'm sure we'll make it.
It's hot, isn't it?
With rising tone, it softly seeks agreement.
What might this be?
With か, a question is softer.
かもしれない
Maybe, can't tell
It might rain.
She may have gone home already.
That person might be a teacher.
Check yourself
How sure is the speaker?
Your turn
Formal or casual?
Sir, it'll probably rain tomorrow.
Find the mistake
Tap the part that's wrong.
。
Say it yourself
Weather forecast
Your friend asks about the weekend picnic. It'll probably be sunny, but it might get cold in the evening.
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