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恐らく (おそらく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Meanings 1
adverb
probably ; likely ; I'm afraid
usually written using kana alone
Expresses a high degree of likelihood, often used when predicting a negative or undesirable outcome. Can soften a statement when the speaker is reluctant to assert something unpleasant.
来こ
ない
と
思おも
う
。
I'm afraid he won't come.
Written forms 恐おそ らく Usage 21%
Kanji form is common in formal writing, but the word is usually written in kana.
おそらく Usage 79%
Kana spelling is the most common and recommended for learners.
Similar words 多た 分ぶん 多分 is more casual and expresses a lower degree of certainty than おそらく. おそらく is often used in more formal contexts or when the speaker is more confident about the likelihood.
きっと きっと expresses strong conviction or hope, often subjective, while おそらく is more objective and based on reasoning.
Etymology Derived from the adjective 恐ろしい (おそろしい, 'frightening') with the adverbial suffix く, originally meaning 'frighteningly' or 'in a way that causes fear', which shifted to 'probably' through the idea of something being so likely that it is almost frightening.
