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公算 (こうさん, kousan) Japanese meaning: probability | Kotomora
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おお
きい
。
There is a high probability that the economy will decline.
The likelihood of him winning the election is strong.
Usage patterns 〈 事こと 〉 の 公こう 算さん が 大おお きい the likelihood of something is high
It is highly likely that the ruling party will maintain its majority.
〈 事こと 〉 の 公こう 算さん が 強つよ い there is a strong likelihood of something
There is a strong likelihood that the plan will be postponed.
〈 動どう 詞し 〉 公こう 算さん が 高たか い it is highly likely that (a verb clause) will happen
This bill is very likely to pass during the current Diet session.
公こう 算さん が 小ちい さい the likelihood is small
The likelihood of reaching an agreement within this year is small.
Kanji 公 public, prince, official 算 calculate, divining, number Related words 確率 is the general mathematical/statistical term for probability, while 公算 is a more formal, news-style word for estimated likelihood.
可能性 is an everyday word for possibility or potential, while 公算 specifically implies a calculated or reasoned probability, often in formal reports.
見込み is a common, slightly less formal word for prospect or expected outcome, while 公算 is reserved for more analytical or journalistic contexts.
見通し emphasizes a forward-looking outlook or forecast, whereas 公算 focuses narrowly on the estimated degree of likelihood of a specific event.
Etymology Compound of 公 (public, official) and 算 (calculation, counting). The term originally referred to an official or public calculation, later extended to mean an estimated probability or likelihood in formal discourse.
