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JLPT N4 Neutral

〜kamoshirenai

Express uncertainty; 'maybe', 'might', 'possibly'.

The everyday hedge for possibility - "maybe/might".

Formation

Explanation

The ～かもしれない grammar point is used to express uncertainty or the possibility of something occurring. It can be translated as 'maybe', 'might', or 'possibly' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun. In everyday speech, speakers often omit だ before かもしれない for nouns and な-adjectives.

Example sentences

  • It might rain tomorrow.

    Ashita ame ga furu kamoshirenai.

  • This cake might be delicious.

    Kono keeki wa oishii kamoshirenai.

  • He might be sick.

    Kare ga byouki kamoshirenai.

  • She might be a student.

    Kanojo wa gakusei kamoshirenai.

Inference (It Seems / Probably)