Translation guide
The English adverb 'probably' expresses a high likelihood or strong possibility. In Japanese, this concept is most naturally conveyed through sentence-ending expressions, adverbs, and grammatical patterns that indicate conjecture or probability. The choice depends on formality, certainty, and whether the statement is based on evidence or personal judgment.
Express that something is likely or probable in everyday conversation.
The plain form of the copula だ with the volitional auxiliary う, attached to the dictionary form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns. It indicates the speaker's conjecture. In casual speech, it's often shortened to 〜だろ. This is the most common way to say 'probably' in informal contexts.
An adverb meaning 'probably' or 'maybe'. It is often used with 〜だろう or 〜でしょう, but can stand alone in casual speech. It's very common and neutral in tone.
多分、大丈夫だよ。
It's probably fine.
多分、彼は知らない。
He probably doesn't know.
Literally 'I think that...', this phrase is often used to soften a statement and convey probability. It's less direct than 〜だろう and more subjective.
彼は来ると思う。
I think he'll come. / He'll probably come.
Express probability in polite or formal situations.
The polite form of 〜だろう. Used in formal speech, news, and polite conversation. It can also be used to seek agreement (like 'right?').
明日は雨でしょう。
It will probably rain tomorrow.
会議は3時からでしょう。
The meeting is probably at 3 o'clock.
A more formal adverb meaning 'probably' or 'likely'. Often used with 〜だろう/でしょう. It conveys a higher degree of certainty than 多分.
恐らく、彼は成功するでしょう。
He will probably succeed.
Indicate that something seems probable based on what you see or know.
Attached to the stem of verbs and adjectives, this expresses conjecture based on appearance or immediate evidence. It translates to 'looks like' or 'seems like', implying probability.
Similar to 〜そうだ but more colloquial. It expresses conjecture based on sensory evidence or resemblance.
彼は疲れているみたいだ。
He seems tired. (He's probably tired.)
The more formal equivalent of 〜みたいだ. Used in writing and formal speech to indicate conjecture based on evidence.
彼は来ないようだ。
It seems he won't come. (He probably won't come.)
Express a very strong likelihood, close to certainty.
Literally 'there is no mistake that...', this pattern expresses strong conviction. It is used when the speaker is almost certain.
彼は成功するに違いない。
He will undoubtedly succeed. (He'll probably succeed for sure.)
Indicates that something is expected or supposed to happen based on reason or logic. It translates to 'should' or 'ought to', implying high probability.
彼はもう着くはずだ。
He should arrive soon. (He'll probably arrive soon.)
Express probability in academic, journalistic, or formal written contexts.
The formal written equivalent of 〜だろう. Used in essays, articles, and formal speeches.
これは重要な問題であろう。
This is probably an important issue.
A literary adverb meaning 'probably' or 'perhaps'. Rarely used in modern conversation; found in classical or highly formal writing.
蓋し、彼の言う通りだ。
Probably, he is right.
多分 (たぶん) is the most common and neutral word for 'probably'. It can be used in both casual and polite speech. 恐らく (おそらく) is more formal and implies a higher degree of certainty, often used in written language or formal situations. In casual conversation, 多分 is preferred.
多分、明日は晴れるよ。
It'll probably be sunny tomorrow.
恐らく、この計画は失敗するだろう。
This plan will probably fail.
While 多分 can be used alone in very casual speech, it often sounds more natural when paired with 〜だろう or 〜と思う. Using 多分 by itself can sound abrupt or uncertain. For example, '多分、行く' is acceptable but '多分、行くと思う' is more natural.
In casual speech, 〜だろう (often pronounced 〜だろ) can be used to seek confirmation, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?'. The intonation rises at the end. This is not exactly 'probably' but overlaps in usage.
これ、美味しいだろ？
This is delicious, right? (You probably think so too.)