Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Perhaps" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "perhaps", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もしかしたら
もしかしたら (moshikashitara)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ひょっとすると
ひょっとすると (hyottosuru to)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "perhaps" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もしかしたら and ひょっとすると.
In Japanese, もしかしたら (もしかしたら (moshikashitara)) is typically associated with "perhaps, maybe, possibly (often followed by ~かもしれません, ~でしょう)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses uncertainty or possibility. Similar to `ひょっとしたら` or `おそらく`. Often used with `～かもしれない` or `～でしょう`..
On the other hand, ひょっとすると (ひょっとすると (hyottosuru to)) maps to "perhaps, possibly, maybe, by any chance" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Adverbial phrase. Expresses a possibility or a slight chance that something might happen or be true. Similar to 「もしかしたら」 but can sometimes imply a more unexpected or remote possibility. Often followed by 「かもしれない」.. A literal translation of "perhaps" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もしかしたら"
もしかしたら、彼は今日来ないかもしれない。
Perhaps he might not come today.
Bilingual Context for "ひょっとすると"
ひょっとすると、明日は雪が降るかもしれない。
It might snow tomorrow, possibly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、彼は今日来ないかもしれない。" (Meaning: "Perhaps he might not come today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もしかしたら" fits here because it means "perhaps, maybe, possibly (often followed by ~かもしれません, ~でしょう)" in the context of: "Perhaps he might not come today.". "ひょっとすると" represents "perhaps, possibly, maybe, by any chance".