Translation guide
The English word 'likely' expresses probability or expectation. In Japanese, this concept is conveyed through various adverbs, auxiliary verbs, sentence-ending expressions, and grammatical patterns, depending on the nuance and context.
Expressing that something is probable or expected to happen, similar to 'probably' or 'it is likely that'.
Common adverb meaning 'probably' or 'maybe'. Often used with 〜だろう or 〜と思う.
多分、明日は雨が降るだろう。
It will likely rain tomorrow.
彼は多分来ないと思う。
I think he likely won't come.
Literally 'the possibility is high'. A formal and precise way to say something is likely.
この計画は成功する可能性が高い。
This plan is likely to succeed.
Expresses that something seems likely based on appearance or evidence. Attaches to verb stems or adjective stems.
雨が降りそうだ。
It looks likely to rain.
Formal adverb meaning 'probably' or 'likely'. Often used in written or formal speech.
恐らく彼はその事実を知らないだろう。
He likely doesn't know that fact.
Describing a person or thing that has a tendency to do something or is prone to a certain state.
Indicates a tendency, often negative. Attaches to verb stems or nouns.
彼は遅刻しがちだ。
He is likely to be late.
この天気では病気になりがちだ。
In this weather, you're likely to get sick.
Means 'easy to' or 'prone to'. Attaches to verb stems.
このガラスは割れやすい。
This glass is likely to break.
Describing a story, explanation, or scenario that seems believable or probable.
Attributive form meaning 'likely' or 'probable'. Used before nouns.
それはありそうな話だ。
That's a likely story.
Means 'plausible' or 'specious'. Often implies something sounds likely but may not be true.
彼のもっともらしい説明にだまされた。
I was fooled by his likely-sounding explanation.
Used as a sentence adverb to mean 'probably' or 'in all likelihood'.
Literally 'eight or nine out of ten'. Means 'in all likelihood' or 'most likely'.
十中八九、彼は合格するだろう。
In all likelihood, he will pass the exam.
多分 (たぶん) is the most common and casual way to say 'probably'. 恐らく (おそらく) is more formal and often used in writing or serious speech. Both are often paired with 〜だろう or 〜でしょう.
多分大丈夫だよ。
It'll probably be fine. (casual)
恐らく問題はないでしょう。
There will likely be no problem. (formal)
English 'likely' as an adjective (e.g., 'a likely candidate') does not have a direct one-word equivalent. Use phrases like 可能性が高い or ありそうな instead.