Processing keyword: ～かもしれない (〜kamoshirenai)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～かもしれない (〜kamoshirenai)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～かもしれない (〜kamoshirenai) is a common way to express possibility or uncertainty in Japanese. It translates to "might", "may", or "possibly" in English. This structure allows speakers to convey that something might happen or that they aren't sure about a particular fact.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～かもしれない is used to express that something might be true or that there is a possibility of it happening.
- It indicates that the speaker is not certain but considers it a possibility.
Structure
Attach かもしれない directly to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
Formation Diagram
| Part of Speech | Plain Form | + かもしれない | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb | 見る (miru) | 見るかもしれない | might see |
| い-adjective | 寒い (samui) | 寒いかもしれない | might be cold |
| な-adjective | 便利 (benri) | 便利かもしれない | might be convenient |
| Noun | 雨 (ame) | 雨かもしれない | might be rain / it might rain |
Conjugation Examples
- Verb Example
- 行く (iku) → 行くかもしれない
- I might go.
- い-Adjective Example
- 美味しい (oishii) → 美味しいかもしれない
- It might be delicious.
- な-Adjective Example
- 静か (shizuka) → 静かかもしれない
- It might be quiet.
- Noun Example
- 事故 (jiko) → 事故かもしれない
- It might be an accident.
3. Comparative Analysis
～かもしれない vs. ～でしょう
| ～かもしれない | ～でしょう | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Might, may, possibly | Probably, most likely |
| Certainty | Lower certainty | Higher certainty |
| Usage | Expresses uncertainty or speculation | Expresses expectation or prediction |
| Example Comparison: |
- 雨が降るかもしれない。
- Ame ga furu kamoshirenai.
- It might rain.
- 雨が降るでしょう。
- Ame ga furu deshō.
- It will probably rain.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 彼は明日来ないかもしれません。
- Kare wa ashita konai kamoshiremasen.
- He might not come tomorrow.
- この計画は成功しないかもしれません。
- Kono keikaku wa seikō shinai kamoshiremasen.
- This plan might not succeed.
Informal Speech
- 今日、店は閉まっているかも。
- Kyō, mise wa shimatte iru kamo.
- The store might be closed today.
- あの映画、つまらないかもね。
- Ano eiga, tsumaranai kamo ne.
- That movie might be boring.
Written Context
- この結果は正しくないかもしれない。
- Kono kekka wa tadashikunai kamoshirenai.
- This result might not be correct.
- 彼の話は本当かもしれない。
- Kare no hanashi wa hontō kamoshirenai.
- His story might be true.
Spoken Context
- 時間がないから、タクシーに乗ったほうがいいかも。
- Jikan ga nai kara, takushī ni notta hō ga ii kamo.
- Since we don't have time, we might want to take a taxi.
- 明日は雨かもしれないから、傘を持って行こう。
- Ashita wa ame kamoshirenai kara, kasa o motte ikō.
- It might rain tomorrow, so let's bring umbrellas.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- Casual: かも / かもね
- Neutral/Plain: かもしれない
- Polite/Formal: かもしれません Example:
- Casual: それ、いいかも。
- That might be good.
- Polite: それは良いかもしれません。
- That might be good.
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, expressing uncertainty can be a way to show humility and avoid being overly assertive. Using ～かもしれない allows speakers to present ideas or opinions softly, respecting others' perspectives.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 知らないかもね。
- Shiranai kamo ne.
- I might not know.
- 疲れているかも。
- Tsukarete iru kamo.
- I might be tired.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Placement:
- ❌ 高いかもしれないです。
- ✅ 高いですかもしれない。
- Do not add です before かもしれない.
- Using Polite Forms Incorrectly:
- ❌ 行くかもしれませんね。
- Using polite かもしれません with casual ね can be mismatched.
Tips
- Remember: Attach かもしれない directly to the plain form; do not use the polite form before かもしれない.
- Mnemonic Device: Think of かも as "come oh", as in uncertain invitation.
- Practice Politeness Levels: Match かもしれない with the appropriate politeness level of your sentence.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～かもしれない expresses possibility or uncertainty.
- Attach it directly to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
- Adjust the formality by using かもしれません (polite) or かも (casual).
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "It might be expensive" in Japanese?
- Which is more certain: ～かもしれない or ～でしょう?
- Is "便利なかもしれない" correct? If not, correct it.
Answers
- 高いかもしれない。
- Takai kamoshirenai.
- ～でしょう is more certain.
- Incorrect. The correct form is 便利かもしれない。
- Do not add な after a な-adjective before かもしれない.
By understanding and practicing ～かもしれない, you'll be able to express uncertainty and possibilities more naturally in Japanese. Remember to pay attention to the level of politeness appropriate for your situation.