Translation guide
The English word 'improbable' describes something unlikely to happen or unlikely to be true. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, adverbs, and set phrases that convey varying degrees of unlikelihood, from mild doubt to near impossibility. The most common and versatile option is ありえない, which directly means 'impossible' or 'unthinkable' and is widely used in everyday speech.
Express that something is improbable, unlikely, or not expected to occur or be the case.
Literally 'cannot exist/be', this is the most common and natural way to say something is improbable or unthinkable. It can be used for both events and statements. Often used in casual conversation.
It's improbable that he would do such a thing.
There's no way it'll rain tomorrow.
Means 'hard to imagine' or 'difficult to think'. It's a softer, more analytical way to express improbability, often used when evaluating a situation logically.
It's improbable that he will fail.
Literally 'doesn't seem like it will happen'. A common phrase to express that something appears unlikely based on current signs or feelings.
It's improbable that he will come.
Means 'low probability'. A more formal and objective expression, suitable for written or analytical contexts.
The probability of that plan succeeding is low.
An interjection or adverb expressing strong disbelief, like 'No way!' or 'Surely not!'. Used when something seems highly improbable or shocking. Often used with a negative verb.
I never thought he would win (it seemed so improbable).
Express skepticism about the truth or plausibility of a claim.
Means 'hard to believe'. It directly conveys that a story or claim seems improbable or unbelievable.
His story is improbable (hard to believe).
A phrase meaning 'I can't believe it's true'. It expresses personal disbelief about the veracity of something.
That story seems improbable (I can't believe it's true).
The English word 'improbable' is often translated as ありえない, which literally means 'impossible'. In Japanese, ありえない is used much more broadly than English 'impossible' and covers many situations where English would use 'improbable', 'unthinkable', or 'no way'. Using a direct translation like 不可能 (fukanō) can sound overly formal or absolute.
It's improbable that he would be late. (Natural Japanese)
It's impossible for him to be late. (Overly strong/formal)
ありえない expresses a gut-level disbelief, often emotional. 考えにくい is more logical and detached, like 'it's hard to imagine'. Use ありえない for strong reactions and casual speech; use 考えにくい for measured opinions or formal contexts.
It's highly improbable that they will agree.
Means 'doubtful' or 'questionable'. It implies that the truthfulness is improbable and should be doubted.
That testimony is improbable (doubtful).