Japanese grammar
What does ～かもしれない mean? Japanese grammar N4
～かもしれない means maybe, might be.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + かもしれない N／Aな + かもしれない |
| Romaji | ~ kamo shirenai |
| Meaning | maybe, might be |
How to use it
Stating a possibility the speaker is not sure about, usually weaker than でしょう／はずだ.
- かもしれない leaves many possibilities open and shows a low degree of certainty. The polite form is かもしれません; in conversation it's even shortened to かも.
- Nouns and na-adjectives attach directly, without だ. It can be used for both good and bad possibilities without asserting anything.
Examples
午後は雨が降るかもしれません。
It might rain in the afternoon.
あの人は新しい先生かもしれない。
That person might be the new teacher.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong明日は休みだかもしれません。
Correct明日は休みかもしれません。
Nouns and na-adjectives drop だ before かもしれない.
Exam tips
- かもしれない has low certainty; はずだ is a conclusion with stronger grounds.