Japanese grammar
What does ～でしょう mean? Japanese grammar N5
～でしょう means probably ~ / likely ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + でしょう |
| Romaji | ~ deshō |
| Meaning | probably ~ / likely ~ |
How to use it
Guess about something uncertain.
- でしょう is the polite guessing form of です.
- Often used with たぶん (probably): 「たぶん雨が降るでしょう。」
- With a rising tone at the end, it becomes a question seeking agreement: 「明日は晴れるでしょう？」
- Commonly seen in weather forecasts.
Examples
明日はたぶん雨が降るでしょう。
It will probably rain tomorrow.
田中さんはもう帰ったでしょう。
Mr. Tanaka has probably gone home already.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong雨が降りますでしょう。
Correct雨が降るでしょう。
Before でしょう, use the plain (dictionary) form, not the ます form.