Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 多分 | tabun | [ta̠bɯ̟̃ɴ] (narrow) |
| …かもしれない | …kamo shirenai | |
| …でしょう | deshō |
These terms are used to indicate a lack of certainty. 多分 is an adverb typically placed at the start of a sentence or clause to modify the entire statement, expressing a high degree of probability. In contrast, the other forms are grammatical structures attached to the end of a clause.
Which one should you use?
多分 is an adverb used at the beginning of a sentence to express a high degree of probability, whereas …かもしれない is a grammatical structure attached to the end of a clause. 多分 is a common way to express uncertainty in casual settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms function differently within a sentence. 多分 is an adverb that modifies the statement. …でしょう is the polite form used to express a conjecture or a prediction, …だろう is the informal counterpart to …でしょう and is used in casual speech and …かもしれない is the plain/informal form, while …かもしれません is the polite form.
How do you pronounce it?
tabun
Did you know?
- In Japanese social contexts, 多分 can function as a polite way to say 'no' without using the word 'no'. By saying 'maybe' to a request, a speaker signals a refusal while avoiding direct confrontation.
- The word 多分 is composed of characters meaning 'many' and 'part', suggesting a 'large portion' of probability.
- In a conversation, a Japanese speaker might leave the end of the sentence completely blank, implying a 'maybe' without saying any of the words.
Examples in context
- 多分そうだよ。Maybe that's right.Tatoeba #8823041 by small_snow, translation #2635124 by Joseph
- 多分、本当だよ。Maybe it's true.Tatoeba #10330176 by small_snow, translation #866728 by avenelanna
- 多分トムはそれをやった。Maybe Tom did that.Tatoeba #7577222 by Iwashi, translation #6233843 by CK
- スポーツクラブに行く予定ですが、おそらく遅れるかもしれません。I have plans to go to the sports club, but I might be late.
- もしかすると、明日の会議はキャンセルになるかもしれません。Maybe the meeting tomorrow will be canceled.
- たぶん、明日は雨が降るでしょう。Maybe it will rain tomorrow.
- 「どの本を読む？」
「うーん、多分この本にする」"Which book should I read?"
"Hmm, maybe I'll choose this one." - 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing whether a restaurant is still open.
- 陽葵 Himariレストランは開いているかな？Resutoran wa aite iru kana?I wonder if the restaurant is open?
- 健太 Kenta多分、まだ開いているよ。Tabun, mada aite iru yo.Maybe it is still open.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君、本当かな？Kenta-kun, hontou kana?Kenta, are you sure?
- 健太 Kenta多分、大丈夫だよ。Tabun, daijoubu da yo.Maybe it will be fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries 多分, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
