Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing likelihood involves a range of grammar patterns that convey probability, expectation, or tendency. The most common patterns are 〜そうだ (it looks like), 〜ようだ (it seems), 〜らしい (I hear / it seems), 〜かもしれない (might), and 〜はずだ (should be). The choice depends on the source of information (direct observation, hearsay, logical deduction) and the degree of certainty.
雨が降りそうだ。
It looks like it's going to rain.
彼は来るかもしれない。
He might come.
彼はもうすぐ来るはずだ。
He should be here soon.
Express that something appears likely based on what you see or feel right now.
Attach to the stem of verbs and adjectives to indicate that something seems likely based on direct observation. For い-adjectives, drop the final い; for な-adjectives, use the stem without な. The negative form is 〜そうにない／そうもない.
雨が降りそうだ。
It looks like it's going to rain.
このケーキはおいしそうだ。
This cake looks delicious.
彼は元気そうだ。
He looks well.
Express a conjecture or likelihood based on circumstantial evidence or reasoning.
Used when you infer something from evidence or situation. It is more subjective and often based on sensory input. Follows nouns with の, verbs and adjectives in plain form. In formal writing, 〜ようです.
誰か来たようだ。
It seems someone has come.
彼は疲れているようだ。
He seems to be tired.
Express that something is possible or might happen.
Expresses uncertainty or possibility. Can be shortened to 〜かも in casual speech. Follows plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
彼は来るかもしれない。
He might come.
それは本当かもしれない。
That might be true.
Express that something is expected or should be the case based on logical deduction.
Indicates a strong expectation that something is true based on reasoning. Follows plain form; for nouns and な-adjectives, use 〜のはずだ or 〜なはずだ.
彼はもう着いたはずだ。
He should have arrived by now.
それは正しいはずだ。
That should be correct.
Express that something has a tendency to happen or is likely to occur under certain conditions.
Indicates a tendency, often negative. Attaches to the stem of verbs or nouns. Commonly used for things that happen frequently or are prone to occur.
彼は遅れがちだ。
He tends to be late.
この時期は風邪を引きがちだ。
People tend to catch colds this time of year.
〜そうだ is for direct visual or intuitive judgment. 〜ようだ is for inference from evidence or situation. 〜らしい is for hearsay or typical characteristics. For example, seeing dark clouds → 雨が降りそうだ; feeling a drop of water → 雨が降ったようだ; hearing a forecast → 雨が降るらしい.
空が暗い。雨が降りそうだ。
The sky is dark. It looks like rain.
地面が濡れている。雨が降ったようだ。
The ground is wet. It seems it rained.
おそらく彼は遅れるだろう。
In all likelihood, he will be late.
Using adverb おそらく (probably) with だろう for formal conjecture.
成功する可能性は低い。
There is little likelihood of success.
可能性 (possibility) is used here in a more formal or written context.
More casual and colloquial than 〜ようだ. Used in spoken Japanese. Follows nouns directly, and verbs/adjectives in plain form.
あの人、学生みたいだ。
That person looks like a student.
外は寒いみたいだ。
It seems cold outside.
Indicates that something is likely based on hearsay or reasonable assumption. It can also express that something has the typical characteristics of something. Follows nouns, verbs, and adjectives in plain form.
A more formal way to say 'there is a possibility of...'. Used in writing and formal speech. Follows nouns with の, or plain form of verbs/adjectives.
遅れる可能性がある。
There is a possibility of delay.
Expresses a strong conviction that something is certainly the case. More emphatic than 〜はずだ. Follows plain form.
彼は嘘をついているに違いない。
He must be lying.
Means 'easy to do' or 'likely to happen'. Attaches to the stem of verbs. Can be used for both positive and negative tendencies.
このガラスは割れやすい。
This glass breaks easily.
According to the weather forecast, it's going to rain.
English often uses the noun 'likelihood', but Japanese prefers verbal or adjectival expressions. Instead of 'the likelihood of rain is high', say '雨が降りそうだ' or '雨の可能性が高い'. Direct translations like '可能性' can sound stiff in casual conversation.
雨の可能性が高いです。
The likelihood of rain is high. (formal)
According to the weather forecast, it's going to rain.
English often uses the noun 'likelihood', but Japanese prefers verbal or adjectival expressions. Instead of 'the likelihood of rain is high', say '雨が降りそうだ' or '雨の可能性が高い'. Direct translations like '可能性' can sound stiff in casual conversation.
雨の可能性が高いです。
The likelihood of rain is high. (formal)