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
恐らく
おそらく (osoraku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "perhaps" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もしかしたら and 恐らく.
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, 恐らく (おそらく (osoraku)) maps to "perhaps, probably, maybe" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates a high probability or likelihood. It's similar to 「たぶん. 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 "恐らく"
明日は恐らく雨が降るだろう。
It will probably rain tomorrow.
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.". "恐らく" represents "perhaps, probably, maybe".