Translation guide
The English adverb 'possibly' is used to express uncertainty, possibility, or to make polite requests. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on the specific nuance and sentence structure.
To say that something might happen or might be true, without strong commitment.
Attaches to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns. This is the most common and neutral way to express 'possibly' or 'might' in Japanese.
明日は雨が降るかもしれない。
It might possibly rain tomorrow.
彼はもう家に着いたかもしれない。
He might possibly have arrived home already.
An adverb meaning 'possibly' or 'perhaps', often used at the beginning of a sentence. It emphasizes uncertainty and is commonly paired with かもしれない.
もしかすると、彼は来ないかもしれない。
Possibly, he might not come.
Similar to もしかすると, but slightly more colloquial and often implies a lower probability or a sudden thought.
ひょっとすると、電車が遅れるかもしれない。
Possibly the train might be delayed.
Literally 'there is a possibility'. More formal and often used in written or analytical contexts. Can be modified with 高い/低い to indicate degree.
この計画は失敗する可能性がある。
This plan could possibly fail.
To ask someone to do something in a very polite, tentative way, often with 'could you possibly...'
A very polite request form. The 〜て form of the verb + いただけませんか literally means 'could I possibly receive the favor of you doing...'. This is the standard way to make a polite request equivalent to 'could you possibly...'.
この書類を確認していただけませんか。
Could you possibly check this document?
Even more polite and tentative than 〜ていただけませんか. It adds a layer of indirectness, making it sound very humble.
もう少しお待ちいただけないでしょうか。
Could you possibly wait a little longer?
To say that something cannot possibly happen or be done, often with 'can't possibly'.
Expresses strong conviction that something is impossible. Attaches to the plain form. It means 'there is no way that...' or 'cannot possibly'.
彼がそんなことを言うはずがない。
He can't possibly say such a thing.
Similar to はずがない, but slightly more logical or reason-based. It means 'there is no reason that...' or 'cannot possibly'.
こんなに難しい問題が解けるわけがない。
I can't possibly solve such a difficult problem.
To emphasize that something is done to the greatest extent possible, e.g., 'as quickly as possibly'.
Means 'as much as possible' or 'as ... as possible'. Used with verbs or adjectives. This is the most common way to express 'as ... as possibly'.
できるだけ早く来てください。
Please come as quickly as possibly.
Similar to できるだけ, meaning 'as much as possible' or 'if at all possible'. Slightly more formal and often used in requests.
なるべく静かにしてください。
Please be as quiet as possibly.