Translation guide
Expresses high probability or the most probable outcome. In Japanese, this is often conveyed through adverbs, sentence-ending expressions, or conditional forms rather than a single direct translation.
To say that something is very probable or almost certain to happen or be true.
Common adverb meaning 'probably' or 'most likely'. Used in everyday conversation. Often paired with だろう/でしょう.
多分、明日は雨が降るでしょう。
It will most likely rain tomorrow.
More formal than 多分, meaning 'probably' or 'in all likelihood'. Suitable for written or formal speech.
おそらく彼は来ないだろう。
Most likely he won't come.
Pattern meaning 'must be' or 'no doubt'. Expresses strong conviction. Attach to plain form of verb/adjective/noun.
彼は成功するに違いない。
He will most likely succeed.
Pattern meaning 'should be' or 'ought to be' based on reasoning. Indicates logical expectation.
彼女はもう着いているはずだ。
She should have arrived by now. (most likely has)
To indicate that something is the most likely choice or scenario compared to others.
Phrase meaning 'the most likely' or 'the most probable'. Used as an adjective modifying a noun.
それが最もありそうな結果だ。
That's the most likely outcome.
Literally 'the highest possibility'. A common way to say 'most likely' when comparing options.
このシナリオが一番可能性が高い。
This scenario is the most likely.
Pattern: 'the possibility of ~ is the highest'. Insert noun or nominalized phrase before の.
雨が降る可能性が一番高い。
Rain is the most likely.
To express 'most likely' in a formal, written, or literary context.
Literally 'eight or nine out of ten'. Means 'in all probability' or 'most likely'. Somewhat formal.
十中八九、彼は選挙に勝つだろう。
In all likelihood, he will win the election.
Means 'almost certainly' or 'without a doubt'. Stronger than 多分.
まず間違いなく、彼が次の社長だ。
He is most likely the next president.
多分 is the default for everyday 'probably'. おそらく is more formal and often used in news or writing. Both are often paired with だろう/でしょう.
多分大丈夫だよ。
It's probably fine. (casual)
おそらく問題ないでしょう。
There will most likely be no problem. (formal)
Do not directly translate 'most likely' as 最もありそうな in every context. Use adverbs like 多分 or patterns like 〜に違いない for natural Japanese.
彼が犯人に違いない。
He is most likely the culprit.
それが最もありそうな説明だ。
That's the most likely explanation.