Translation guide
Expresses that something might happen or be true, though it is unlikely or uncertain. Often used when considering remote possibilities or 'what if' scenarios.
The speaker acknowledges that something is unlikely but still possible, similar to 'by any chance' or 'if by some chance'.
A common adverb meaning 'perhaps' or 'maybe', often used when the speaker thinks something is unlikely but possible. Frequently paired with かもしれない.
Used in questions to ask if something is possible, often with a nuance of 'by any chance'.
Both mean 'perhaps' or 'by some possibility', but もしかしたら is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. ひょっとしたら is slightly more casual and often implies a sudden thought or unexpected possibility. In many cases, they are interchangeable.
もしかしたら、彼女はもう帰ったかもしれない。
By some possibility, she might have already gone home.
ひょっとしたら、彼女はもう帰ったかもしれない。
By some possibility, she might have already gone home. (more casual/sudden thought)
The English phrase 'by some possibility' does not have a direct word-for-word equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like 何らかの可能性で (なんらかのかのうせいで) would sound unnatural. Instead, use the adverbs and phrases provided above.
By some possibility, he might not come.
Similar to もしかしたら, but slightly more casual and often implies a sudden or unexpected possibility. Can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
ひょっとしたら、雨が降るかもしれない。
By some possibility, it might rain.
Literally 'one in ten thousand', used for extremely unlikely but serious possibilities. Often used in formal or cautionary contexts.
万が一、火事が起きたら、この非常口を使ってください。
By some possibility, if a fire breaks out, please use this emergency exit.
A set phrase meaning 'if by any chance something happens', often used for emergencies or unforeseen events. Formal and somewhat literary.
もしものことがあれば、この番号に電話してください。
By some possibility, if anything happens, please call this number.
Used when asking a question with a guess or suspicion, similar to 'by any chance'. Often implies the speaker thinks the answer might be yes.
もしかして、田中さんですか？
By some possibility, are you Mr. Tanaka?
Casual version of もしかして, used in similar question contexts. Slightly more colloquial.
ひょっとして、道に迷ったんじゃない？
By some possibility, are you lost?