Japanese grammar
What does ～ではないだろうか mean? Japanese grammar N2
～ではないだろうか means isn't it…, perhaps; I wonder if….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + のではないだろうか |
| Romaji | dehanaidarouka |
| Meaning | isn't it…, perhaps; I wonder if… |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form + のではないだろうか |
|---|
How to use it
States an opinion in a TENTATIVE way, as a rhetorical question. Formal.
- 「～のではないだろうか」 = isn't it the case that…, meaning the speaker LEANS toward that view but softens it.
- A polite way of presenting an opinion in argumentative writing, avoiding being pushy.
- A more polite form: 「～のではないでしょうか」.
Examples
この方法が一番安全なのではないだろうか。
Might this method be the safest?
原因は別のところにあるのではないだろうか。
Could the cause lie elsewhere?
Keep in mind
- A softened opinion, not a real question.
- Commonly used in argumentative writing.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong安全ではないでしょうかだ。
Correct安全なのではないだろうか。
Do not stack two judgment endings; use one complete structure.
Exam tips
- 「のではないだろうか」 = states an opinion tentatively (rhetorical question); more polite than 「でしょうか」.