多分そう
tabun sō
The English phrase "maybe I am" is translated into Japanese as 多分そう (tabun sō).
This phrase is used to admit that a statement made by someone else about the speaker might be true.
Which one should you use?
Adding けど after かもしれない allows for more conversational flow and softens the uncertainty.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regional dialects of Japan, you may hear the variations かもしんない or かもしれへん.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding かも (short for kamoshirenai) to the end makes the expression sound more uncertain and natural in casual conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
tabun sō
Did you know?
- The word 多分 originally meant 'ten parts' or 'a large portion'. This is why it carries a stronger sense of probability than the English 'maybe'.
- Japanese speakers often use 'hedging' particles like these to avoid the 'impoliteness' of being too definitive, which can sometimes be seen as aggressive in social interactions.
- The phrase 多分 is often accompanied by a slight tilt of the head or a lack of eye contact to visually signal the speaker's uncertainty.
Examples in context
- お忙しいかもしれませんが、お願いがあります。I know you may be busy, but I have a request.
- 今日は少し遅れるかもしれないけど、待っていてね。I might be a little late today, but please wait for me.
- 多分そうかもしれません。tabun sou kamoshiremasen.Maybe I am.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hiroto are talking about Hiyori's habits.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵は寂しがり屋だね。Hiyori wa sabishigariya dane.Hiyori, you're a lonely person, aren't you?
- 陽葵 Himari多分そうかも。Tabun sou kamo.Maybe I am.
- 大翔 Hirotoやっぱりそうか。Yappari sou ka.I thought so.
- 陽葵 Himari恥ずかしいな。Hazukashii na.This is embarrassing.
