Translation guide
The English word 'improbable' describes something unlikely to happen or unlikely to be true. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, adverbs, and set phrases that convey varying degrees of unlikelihood, from mild doubt to near impossibility. The most common and versatile option is ありえない, which directly means 'impossible' or 'unthinkable' and is widely used in everyday speech.
Express that something is improbable, unlikely, or not expected to occur or be the case.
Literally 'cannot exist/be', this is the most common and natural way to say something is improbable or unthinkable. It can be used for both events and statements. Often used in casual conversation.
彼がそんなことをするなんてありえない。
It's improbable that he would do such a thing.
明日雨が降るなんてありえないよ。
There's no way it'll rain tomorrow.
Means 'hard to imagine' or 'difficult to think'. It's a softer, more analytical way to express improbability, often used when evaluating a situation logically.
彼が失敗するとは考えにくい。
It's improbable that he will fail.
Literally 'doesn't seem like it will happen'. A common phrase to express that something appears unlikely based on current signs or feelings.
彼が来るのはありそうにない。
It's improbable that he will come.
Means 'low probability'. A more formal and objective expression, suitable for written or analytical contexts.
その計画が成功する可能性は低い。
The probability of that plan succeeding is low.
An interjection or adverb expressing strong disbelief, like 'No way!' or 'Surely not!'. Used when something seems highly improbable or shocking. Often used with a negative verb.
まさか彼が優勝するとは思わなかった。
I never thought he would win (it seemed so improbable).
Express skepticism about the truth or plausibility of a claim.
Means 'hard to believe'. It directly conveys that a story or claim seems improbable or unbelievable.
彼の話は信じがたい。
His story is improbable (hard to believe).
Means 'doubtful' or 'questionable'. It implies that the truthfulness is improbable and should be doubted.
その証言は疑わしい。
That testimony is improbable (doubtful).
A phrase meaning 'I can't believe it's true'. It expresses personal disbelief about the veracity of something.
その話は本当とは思えない。
That story seems improbable (I can't believe it's true).
The English word 'improbable' is often translated as ありえない, which literally means 'impossible'. In Japanese, ありえない is used much more broadly than English 'impossible' and covers many situations where English would use 'improbable', 'unthinkable', or 'no way'. Using a direct translation like 不可能 (fukanō) can sound overly formal or absolute.
彼が遅刻するなんてありえない。
It's improbable that he would be late. (Natural Japanese)
彼が遅刻するのは不可能だ。
It's impossible for him to be late. (Overly strong/formal)
ありえない expresses a gut-level disbelief, often emotional. 考えにくい is more logical and detached, like 'it's hard to imagine'. Use ありえない for strong reactions and casual speech; use 考えにくい for measured opinions or formal contexts.
彼らが同意するとはとても考えにくい。
It's highly improbable that they will agree.