nihongo wo benkyou shitai

A nice simple one today, but since we've just covered presumptive auxiliaries, this seems to be a good choice to wrap it up. Today, we'll unlock the mysteries of how to say 'probably' and 'maybe', 'perhaps' and 'might' in Japanese.

Actually, there are just two conjugations we're going to look at, so let's get them out of the way before going any further.

Probably

To say something probably is or probably was, simply take the base 3 (for present) or base 1 (for past) of the verb and stick でしょう on the end. That's it.

Maybe, Perhaps & Might

Just as easy as 'probably', but we take the short form of the verb and add かもしれません or かもしれない, depending on whether you want to be polite or casual.

(added 2006-08-26) かもしれない can also be added to nouns and adjectives too. To do this simply take the plain form of the noun or adjective; in the case of な adjectives, simply drop the な.

The difference between the two is relatively straight-forward: both are used to indicate uncertainty about some fact, but with でしょう you think that whatever you are suggesting is likely to be the case. With かもしれません you don't know either way. Whatever you are saying may be right, or it may be wrong.

Come one, let's give it a go!

English: I will probably fall asleep soon because I am tired.
Jenglish: [tired][because][soon][fall asleep][probably]
日本語：　　疲れているから、すぎに寝入るでしょう。

寝入る　＝　ね・い・る　＝　to fall asleep

English: If she studies hard, she may pass the exam.
Jenglish: [she][studies][if][exam][pass+may]
日本語：　　彼女は勉強したら、試験を合格するかもしれない。

合格する　＝　ごう・かく・する　＝　to pass an exam, test, etc...

またね。。。