synonym Comparative
おそらく
VS
ひょっとすると
Differences Between "おそらく" and "ひょっとすると"
Option A
おそらく
Meaning
probably, perhaps, most likely
Reading
おそらく (osoraku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
明日はおそらく晴れるでしょう。
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
Option B
ひょっとすると
Meaning
perhaps, possibly, maybe, by any chance
Reading
ひょっとすると (hyottosuru to)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
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.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(probably, perhaps, most likely)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- おそらく: An adverb indicating a high degree of probability but not certainty. Often used with だろう or でしょう at the end of the sentence.
- ひょっとすると: 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」.
- おそらく: An adverb indicating a high degree of probability but not certainty. Often used with だろう or でしょう at the end of the sentence.
- ひょっとすると: 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」.
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!