多分
tabun[ta̠bɯ̟̃ɴ]
The English phrase 'maybe' can be translated into Japanese using several forms, most commonly 多分 (tabun). Wiktionary also lists …かもしれない (…kamo shirenai) and …でしょう (deshō).
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
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 |
The words are used to indicate a lack of certainty. In a casual setting, you can also use Chotto to convey a little uncertainty or Maa ne to mean 'maybe' or 'well, I guess so'.
Which one should you use?
While often translated as 'maybe', the adverb 多分 implies a higher degree of probability than the English word, often closer to 'probably' (around 70-80%).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
…でしょう is a polite way to express a conjecture or to seek agreement when making an educated guess.
How does it change in a sentence?
In very casual, spoken Japanese, the phrase …かもしれない can be shortened to …かも.
How do you pronounce it?
tabun
Did you know?
- In high-context Japanese communication, silence or a trailing sentence is often used instead of saying 多分. A pause at the end of a sentence effectively communicates 'maybe' without using any words.
- In Japan, saying 'maybe' using 多分 can sometimes be a polite way to say 'no' without being direct. Declining an invitation by saying 'it might be difficult' or 'maybe' helps avoid the social friction of a blunt refusal.
- In Japanese, expressing absolute certainty can sometimes be seen as aggressive or arrogant. Using 'maybe' words like かも is a common way to soften your stance and appear more humble.
Examples in context
- 多分そうだよ。Maybe that's right.This sentence is useful for using 多分.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
- Tabun anata to issho ni ikimasu. (多分あなたと一緒に行きます。)Maybe I'll go with you.
- Chotto kocchi ni ikou ka na. (ちょっとこっちにいこうかな。)Maybe let's go this way.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are talking about the weather before going out.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日は雨が降るかな？Kyō wa ame ga furu kana?Do you think it will rain today?
- 陽葵 Himari多分、降ると思うよ。Tabun, furu to omou yo.Maybe, I think it will.
- 大翔 Hiroto傘を持って行こうか。Kasa o motte ikō ka.Should we take an umbrella?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、そうしよう。Un, sō shiyō.Yeah, let's do that.
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.
