Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
かもしれない: maybe or might
かもしれない expresses a possibility when the speaker is not sure. The content before it usually appears in plain form. The polite version is かもしれません.
Target signal
田中さんはもう帰ったかもしれない。
Tanaka might have already gone home.
The speaker is guessing but is not certain.
Vocabulary notes
- かもしれない
- might; may; perhaps
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
Compare in context
明日は寒いかもしれません。
It might be cold tomorrow.
かもしれません is the polite form.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- かも
- might; maybe
- もし
- if
Compare in context
この店は休みかもしれない。
This shop might be closed today.
The speaker leaves room for uncertainty.
Vocabulary notes
- かもしれない
- might; may; perhaps
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
- かも
- might; maybe
Section 2 of 3
でしょう: probably or I suppose
でしょう often expresses a likely guess, a prediction, or a softened conclusion. It usually feels more confident than かもしれない, especially when paired with たぶん.
Target signal
会議は三時に始まるでしょう。
The meeting will probably start at three.
The speaker presents this as a likely prediction.
Vocabulary notes
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
- 始まる
- to begin
- 三時
- three o'clock
Preview
今日はたぶん忙しいでしょう。
It will probably be busy today.
たぶん and でしょう often work together.
Vocabulary notes
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
- たぶん
- probably
- 忙しい
- busy
Preview
バスはもうすぐ来るでしょう。
The bus will probably come soon.
This is a prediction about what will likely happen soon.
Vocabulary notes
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
- もうすぐ
- soon
- すぐ
- right away; immediately
Section 3 of 3
Read the speaker’s confidence level
Do not translate both patterns as the same English word every time. かもしれない is weaker and more uncertain. でしょう usually shows a stronger guess or a likely conclusion.
Target signal
雨かもしれない。
It might rain.
This is a cautious, weaker possibility.
Vocabulary notes
- かもしれない
- might; may; perhaps
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
- かも
- might; maybe
Preview
雨でしょう。
It will probably rain.
This sounds more confident than 雨かもしれない.
Vocabulary notes
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
- で
- at; in; by; with
- 雨
- rain
Preview
先生は図書館にいるでしょう。
The teacher is probably in the library.
The speaker makes a likely conclusion about where the teacher is.
Vocabulary notes
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
- 図書館
- library
- いる
- to exist; to be