Translation guide
The English phrase 'may be' is used to express possibility, uncertainty, or permission. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various grammar patterns and expressions are used depending on the intended meaning. This guide covers the most common ways to express 'may be' in Japanese, organized by function.
Expressing that something is possible or uncertain, similar to 'might be' or 'could be'.
This is the most common and versatile way to express 'may be' in the sense of possibility. It attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. In casual speech, it can be shortened to かも.
Casual abbreviation of かもしれない, used in informal conversation. It can end a sentence or be followed by ね or よ.
Literally 'there is a possibility', this is a more formal or written way to express 'may be'. It is often used in news or academic contexts.
地震が起こる可能性がある。
There may be an earthquake.
Used to express a negative possibility or risk, similar to 'there is a fear that...' or 'may (unfortunately)'. Common in warnings and formal announcements.
大雨で洪水の恐れがある。
There may be flooding due to heavy rain.
Expressing that something is allowed or permitted, similar to 'may' in formal English.
The standard way to give or ask for permission. It attaches to the te-form of verbs. In polite speech, use ～てもいいですか for asking and ～てもいいです for granting.
ここに座ってもいいですか。
May I sit here?
帰ってもいいよ。
You may go home.
A slightly more formal or emphatic way to say 'it's okay if...' or 'I don't mind if...'. Often used when giving permission or expressing indifference.
タバコを吸っても構わない。
You may smoke.
Very formal and polite, used in business or official settings to grant permission. Often used by superiors to subordinates.
お帰りになってよろしいです。
You may leave now. (very polite)
Acknowledging a point while introducing a contrasting idea, like 'That may be true, but...'
Used to concede a point before presenting a counterargument. The が means 'but'. In casual speech, かもしれないけど is common.
それは正しいかもしれないが、現実的ではない。
That may be correct, but it's not practical.
A conjunction meaning 'although it may be said that...', used to concede a point while adding a contrasting statement. More formal.
便利とはいえ、高すぎる。
It may be convenient, but it's too expensive.
Expressing that something may have happened in the past.
Used to speculate about past events. Attach かもしれない to the past tense plain form of verbs/adjectives.
彼はもう帰ったかもしれない。
He may have already gone home.
鍵を忘れたかもしれない。
I may have forgotten my keys.
Formal way to express past possibility. Often used in reports or news.
犯人はすでに国外に逃げた可能性がある。
The culprit may have already fled the country.
In English, 'maybe' (adverb) and 'may be' (verb phrase) are different. In Japanese, both are often translated with かもしれない, but the nuance can differ. 'Maybe' as a standalone response is often 多分 (たぶん) or かもね.
多分ね。
Maybe.
かもしれない expresses uncertainty (maybe, might). だろう expresses conjecture with more confidence (probably, I think). Use かもしれない when you are less sure.
明日は雨が降るかもしれない。
It may rain tomorrow. (uncertain)
明日は雨が降るだろう。
It will probably rain tomorrow. (more certain)
In casual conversation, かも is very common and can be used by itself or with sentence-ending particles like ね or よ. It softens statements and makes them sound less assertive.
行くかも。
I might go.
それは本当かもしれない。
It may be true.
電話を使ってもいいですか。
May I use your phone?
彼は電車に乗り遅れたかもしれない。
He may have missed the train.