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probably; right?
Definition
The grammar pattern "Plain Form / N / Adj + でしょう" is used to express probability or to ask for the listener's agreement. It is a polite version of 'darou' and is often used in situations where the speaker is uncertain or wants to seek confirmation. When used as a question with rising intonation, it seeks confirmation from the listener. This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations and is a fundamental part of Japanese grammar.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form | Noun or Adj + でしょう | 明日はたぶん雨が降るでしょう。 (It will probably rain tomorrow.) |
| Adjective | Adj + でしょう | あなたは田中さんですでしょうか。 (Are you Mr. Tanaka?) |
| Noun | Noun + でしょう | 試験はそんなに難しくないでしょう。 (The exam won't be that difficult.) |
Examples
明日はたぶん雨が降るでしょう。
Ashita wa tabun ame ga futte imasu deshō.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
明日 (tomorrow), たぶん (probably), 雨が降る (it will rain), でしょう (it will probably)
あなたは田中さんですでしょうか。
Anata wa Tanaka-san desu deshō ka.
Are you Mr. Tanaka?
あなた (you), 田中さん (Mr. Tanaka), です (are), でしょうか (are you)
試験はそんなに難しくないでしょう。
Shiken wa sonna ni muzukashikunai deshō.
The exam won't be that difficult.
試験 (exam), そんなに (that), 難しくない (won't be difficult), でしょう (it won't be)
Context
This pattern is used to express probability or to ask for the listener's agreement. It is a polite version of 'darou' and is often used in situations where the speaker is uncertain or wants to seek confirmation. When used as a question with rising intonation, it seeks confirmation from the listener.
Watch out
When you are 100% certain, you should use 'desu' instead of 'deshou' to express certainty.
Deshou is used to express a higher probability than 'kamoshirenai', which is used to express a lower probability.
You should not use 'da' before 'deshou' as it is incorrect grammar.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb and to use the correct particle. Also, pay attention to the nuance of the sentence and use the correct word to express the intended meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form / N / Adj + でしょう used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
明日はたぶん雨が降るでしょう。
Pattern used: 降るでしょう
'Tabun' (probably) pairs naturally with 'deshou' for a high-probability guess.
あなたは田中さんでしょう？
Pattern used: でしょう
With rising intonation, 'deshou' is a polite way to ask 'You are... right?'
試験はそんなに難しくないでしょう。
Pattern used: でしょう
Expressing an opinion about a future event's difficulty typically uses 'deshou'.
Interactive
明日はたぶん雨が______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.