Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
かもしれない: maybe or might
Use for uncertain possibility.
Start with the example
。
Tanaka might have already gone home.
The speaker is guessing but is not certain.
Notice the variation
。
It might be cold tomorrow.
is the polite form.
More detail: how to apply this
expresses a possibility.
Attach it to plain verbs or -adjectives: , .
With a nonpast affirmative noun or -adjective, omit : , .
The polite ending is .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep time and certainty separate: a possible past event is still only possible.
leaves that proposition uncertain. It is possible Tanaka left, but the sentence does not confirm it.
。
Tanaka might have already gone home.
Keep time and certainty separate: a possible past event is still only possible.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Tanaka might have already gone home.
The speaker is guessing but is not certain.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
Compare in context
。
It might be cold tomorrow.
is the polite form.
Compare in context
。
This shop might be closed today.
The speaker leaves room for uncertainty.
Vocabulary notes
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
Section 2 of 4
でしょう: probably or I suppose
: probably or I suppose
Start with the example
。
The meeting will probably start at three.
The speaker presents this as a likely prediction.
Notice the variation
。
It will probably be busy today.
and often work together.
More detail: how to apply this
often expresses a likely guess, a prediction, or a softened conclusion.
It usually feels more confident than , especially when paired with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The meeting will probably start at three.
The speaker presents this as a likely prediction.
。
The meeting will probably start at three.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The meeting will probably start at three.
Showing でしょう: probably or I suppose: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The meeting will probably start at three.
The speaker presents this as a likely prediction.
Vocabulary notes
- 三時
- three o'clock
- 始まる
- to begin
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Preview
。
It will probably be busy today.
and often work together.
Vocabulary notes
- たぶん
- probably
- 忙しい
- busy
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Preview
。
The bus will probably come soon.
This is a prediction about what will likely happen soon.
Vocabulary notes
- もうすぐ
- soon
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Section 3 of 4
Read the speaker’s confidence level
Keep time and certainty separate: a possible past event is still only possible.
Read the speaker’s confidence level
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Tanaka is the person being discussed. The narrator is judging Tanaka’s situation.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not translate both patterns as the same English word every time.
is weaker and more uncertain.
usually shows a stronger guess or a likely conclusion.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It might rain.
This is a cautious, weaker possibility.
。
It might rain.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It might rain.
Showing Read the speaker’s confidence level: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
It might rain.
This is a cautious, weaker possibility.
Vocabulary notes
- かもしれない
- might; maybe
Preview
。
It will probably rain.
This sounds more confident than .
Vocabulary notes
- 雨
- rain
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Preview
。
The teacher is probably in the library.
The speaker makes a likely conclusion about where the teacher is.
Vocabulary notes
- 図書館
- library
- いる
- to exist; to be
- でしょう
- probably; I suppose
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
leaves the proposition uncertain;
states it directly.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
leaves the proposition uncertain; states it directly.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: It may be rain/rainy / it is rain/rainy
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.