Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Probability" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "probability", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
確率
かくりつ (kakuritsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
蓋然性
がいぜんせい (gaizensei)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "probability" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 確率 and 蓋然性.
In Japanese, 確率 (かくりつ (kakuritsu)) is typically associated with "probability; likelihood; chances" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the mathematical chance of an event occurring. Often used in scientific, statistical, or general discussions about possibility..
On the other hand, 蓋然性 (がいぜんせい (gaizensei)) maps to "probability, likelihood, possibility" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to the degree to which something is likely to happen or be true. Similar to 可能性. A literal translation of "probability" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "確率"
明日の降水確率は80%だ。
The probability of rain tomorrow is 80%.
Bilingual Context for "蓋然性"
科学的な分析により、その仮説の蓋然性が高まった。
Scientific analysis increased the probability of that hypothesis.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日の降水 ＿＿＿ は80%だ。" (Meaning: "The probability of rain tomorrow is 80%.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "確率" fits here because it means "probability; likelihood; chances" in the context of: "The probability of rain tomorrow is 80%.". "蓋然性" represents "probability, likelihood, possibility".