何かをするでしょう
nanika o suru deshō
The English phrase "you will do something" is expressed in Japanese as 何かをするでしょう (nanika o suru deshō).
This phrase is used to make a polite prediction regarding a third party or a listener, rather than issuing a definitive command. It expresses that someone is likely to perform an action in the future.
Which one should you use?
While 何かをするでしょう is the standard polite form, you can use 何かをするだろう to make the prediction sound more casual or blunt.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal situations, the verb する can be replaced with やる to mean "to do". To convey the idea of humbly receiving permission to do something in a formal context, you would use させていただきます. Additionally, adding よ to the end of a sentence can make your statement sound friendlier and more assertive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The auxiliary でしょう is added to the dictionary form of a verb to express a prediction or probability in the future.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika o suru deshō
Did you know?
- The auxiliary でしょう is a polite contraction of でございましょう, a phrase rooted in the highly formal language used by the imperial court and upper classes.
- Japanese often omits the word for 'you' entirely in 何かをするでしょう. If the subject is clear from context, including a pronoun can actually sound unnatural or confrontational.
- While でしょう expresses a prediction, if spoken with a rising intonation, it turns into a question asking for agreement, similar to the English phrase 'right?'
Examples in context
- やるよI'll do it.
- 承知いたしましたI understand, and I will do it.
- 承知いたしますともI understand, and I will certainly do it.
- はい、行きますYes, I will go.
- いいね、行くよSure, I'll go.
- いいえ、どういたしまして。また手伝いますよYou're welcome. I will help you again.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are discussing a mysterious person's next move.
- 陽太 Yota彼は、きっと何かをするでしょう。Kare wa, kitto nanika o suru deshō.He will surely do something.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に、何かをするのでしょうか。Hontō ni, nanika o suru no deshō ka.Will he really do something?
- 陽太 Yotaええ、彼は何かをするでしょう。Ee, kare wa nanika o suru deshō.Yes, he will do something.
- 陽葵 Himari少し心配ですね。Sukoshi shinpai desu ne.That is a little worrying.
