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
蓋し
けだし (kedashi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "perhaps" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もしかしたら and 蓋し.
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, 蓋し (けだし (kedashi)) maps to "perhaps, probably; indeed, surely (often archaic or literary)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A somewhat archaic or formal adverb used to express conjecture or strong assertion. Often found in written or literary contexts.. 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 "蓋し"
蓋し、それは最善の選択であっただろう。
Perhaps, that was the best choice.
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.". "蓋し" represents "perhaps, probably; indeed, surely (often archaic or literary)".