もしや

も

し

や

Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

usually written using kana alone

Expresses a conjecture or suspicion, often with a sense of slight doubt or surprise. Commonly used in rhetorical questions or when the speaker is wondering about something unexpected.

もしや、彼かれはもう来きているのではないか。
Perhaps he has already arrived, hasn't he?
もしや、何なにかあったのですか。
By any chance, did something happen?

See all 6 example sentences ›

Usage patterns

もしや〈事こと〉ではないかcould it possibly be that...?
もしや彼かれが犯はん人にんではないかと疑うたがった。
I suspected that he might just possibly be the culprit.
もしやと思おもうto have a nagging suspicion or hunch
足あし音おとを聞きいて、もしやと思おもった。
Hearing the footsteps, I had a sudden suspicion.
もしや〈事こと〉かもしれないit might just possibly be that...
もしや道みちに迷まよったのかもしれない。
It's possible we might have gotten lost.