Translation guide
Expresses a high degree of probability or near certainty about a future event or situation. Japanese uses various adverbs and sentence-ending patterns to convey this nuance, often with subtle differences in register and strength.
In all likelihood, he will come.
Neutral and widely applicable.
To say that something is very likely to happen or be true, in a neutral or formal tone.
To express strong likelihood in casual conversation.
Common casual adverb meaning 'probably'. While slightly less certain than 'in all likelihood', it is often used in similar contexts in everyday speech.
To express near certainty in formal writing or speeches.
Literally 'almost without mistake', this phrase is used to assert something with high confidence, similar to 'in all likelihood' or 'almost certainly'.
To express a logical inference that something is very likely.
Indicates a reasoned expectation. 'It should be that...' or 'It is expected that...'. Often used when the speaker has a basis for their belief.
恐らく (osoraku) is slightly more formal and often implies a higher degree of certainty than 多分 (tabun). In casual speech, 多分 is more common, but both can be used to mean 'probably' or 'in all likelihood'.
The English phrase 'in all likelihood' does not have a single fixed Japanese equivalent. Translating it word-for-word will sound unnatural. Choose an adverb or pattern based on the context and register.
In all likelihood, the meeting will be postponed.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Literally 'eight or nine out of ten', this phrase emphasizes a very high probability, similar to 'in all likelihood' or 'ten to one'. Slightly more emphatic than 恐らく.
In all likelihood, he will accept the job.
In all likelihood, it'll be fine.
A strong conjecture pattern meaning 'must be' or 'no doubt'. Conveys high certainty based on evidence or intuition.
In all likelihood, he will succeed.
In all likelihood, this plan will succeed.
Similar to まず間違いなく, meaning 'almost certainly'. Slightly more formal and often used in news or analytical contexts.
In all likelihood, economic growth will slow down next year.
In all likelihood, he has already arrived.
Common in news reports, meaning 'it is viewed as likely that...'. Conveys an objective, evidence-based likelihood.
In all likelihood, the culprit has fled abroad.
十中八九、彼女は約束を忘れている。
In all likelihood, she forgot about the appointment.