Japanese: Expressing Strong Possibility with 'kamoshirenai' and 'darou'
Learn to express stronger possibility in Japanese using 'kamoshirenai' and 'darou', and distinguish them from 'tabun' (probably).
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In English, 'may well' and 'could well' express a stronger possibility than 'might' but stop short of 'probably'. Japanese has its own set of expressions for this middle ground. This lesson teaches you how to use 'kamoshirenai' (かもしれない) and 'darou' (だろう) to convey that something is quite possible, and how they differ from 'tabun' (たぶん, probably). You will learn to choose the right expression for the right level of certainty and politeness.
By the end, you can…
- express stronger possibility using 'kamoshirenai' and 'darou'.
- distinguish between 'kamoshirenai', 'darou', and 'tabun' in terms of certainty and politeness.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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彼女は正しいかもしれない。
She may well be right.
Kanojo wa tadashii kamoshirenai.
Use 'kamoshirenai' after a plain-form clause to express that something is possible, often with a nuance of uncertainty. It is weaker than 'darou'.
雨が降るだろう。
It will probably rain.
Ame ga furu darou.
'Darou' after a plain-form verb expresses probability or supposition, often translated as 'probably'.
彼は来るかもしれない。
He might come.
Kare wa kuru kamoshirenai.
'Kamoshirenai' attaches directly to a verb in plain form. It suggests a possibility, not a strong likelihood.
たぶん彼女は正しい。
She is probably right.
Tabun kanojo wa tadashii.
'Tabun' is an adverb meaning 'probably'. It expresses higher certainty than 'kamoshirenai' and does not require a special sentence ending.
それは本当かもしれない。
That might be true.
Sore wa hontou kamoshirenai.
With nouns and na-adjectives, add 'kamoshirenai' directly after them (e.g., 'hontou kamoshirenai').
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To express possibility, attach 'kamoshirenai' to the plain form of a verb, i-adjective, na-adjective, or noun. For example: 'Kare wa kuru kamoshirenai' (He might come). With na-adjectives and nouns, add 'kamoshirenai' directly: 'Kanojo wa kirei kamoshirenai' (She might be pretty). 'Darou' is similar but implies stronger probability: 'Ashita wa hare darou' (It will probably be sunny tomorrow). In polite speech, use 'kamoshiremasen' or 'deshou' instead.
When to use it
Use 'kamoshirenai' when you want to say something is possible but not certain, similar to 'might' or 'may'. It is softer than 'darou', which leans toward 'probably'. For example, if a friend might be late, you could say 'Kare wa okureru kamoshirenai' (He might be late). If you are more confident, say 'Kare wa okureru darou' (He will probably be late). 'Tabun' is an adverb that can be used with either, but it often pairs with 'darou' for stronger probability: 'Tabun kare wa okureru darou' (He will probably be late).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
彼女は試験に合格するかもしれないね。
She might pass the exam, huh?Kanojo wa shiken ni goukaku suru kamoshirenai ne.うん、でもまだ結果はわからないよ。
Yeah, but we still don't know the results.Un, demo mada kekka wa wakaranai yo.そうだね。でも、彼女はよく勉強していたから、たぶん合格するだろう。
True. But she studied hard, so she'll probably pass.Sou da ne. Demo, kanojo wa yoku benkyou shite ita kara, tabun goukaku suru darou.そう願っているよ。
I hope so.Sou negatte iru yo.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese, the level of certainty you express can affect how your statement is perceived. 'Kamoshirenai' is often used to avoid sounding too assertive, which is valued in Japanese communication. 'Darou' can sound more confident and is common in casual speech, but in formal situations, 'deshou' is preferred. Using 'tabun' with 'kamoshirenai' can sound redundant, so choose one based on the nuance you want.
One thing to watch for
Using 'kamoshirenai' with a polite form verb, e.g., 'Kare wa kimasu kamoshirenai'.
Try this instead: 'Kamoshirenai' attaches to the plain form, not the polite form. Say 'Kare wa kuru kamoshirenai' (He might come). For polite speech, use 'kamoshiremasen': 'Kare wa kuru kamoshiremasen'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'She may well be right' using 'kamoshirenai'?
Show a sample answer
彼女は正しいかもしれない。 (Kanojo wa tadashii kamoshirenai.)
'Kamoshirenai' directly follows the i-adjective 'tadashii' in plain form. This expresses possibility.
2What is the difference between 'kamoshirenai' and 'darou' in terms of certainty?
Show a sample answer
'Darou' expresses stronger probability than 'kamoshirenai'.
'Darou' is closer to 'probably', while 'kamoshirenai' is more like 'might' or 'may'. Both indicate possibility, but 'darou' is more confident.
3Translate into Japanese: 'It may well rain tomorrow.'
Show a sample answer
明日は雨が降るかもしれない。 (Ashita wa ame ga furu kamoshirenai.)
Use 'kamoshirenai' after the plain form verb 'furu'. 'Ashita wa' sets the time. Alternatively, 'Ashita wa ame ga furu darou' would mean 'It will probably rain tomorrow'.
Use 'kamoshirenai' for possibility similar to 'might' or 'may', and 'darou' for stronger probability like 'probably'. Remember to attach them to plain forms and adjust politeness with 'kamoshiremasen' or 'deshou'.
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