Meaning
Expresses an uncertain guess. It shows that the speaker thinks something is possible but is not sure.
Formation
- Plain form + かもしれません: 降るかもしれません
- Nouns and na-adjectives drop だ: 雨かもしれません
When to use it
- Core use
- Might, may
Examples
20 sentences-
明日は雪が降るかもしれません
It might snow tomorrow.
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彼はその知らせをまだ知らないかもしれません
He may not know that news yet.
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この問題は少し難しいかもしれません
This problem might be a little difficult.
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電車が遅れるかもしれません
The train may be delayed.
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その店はもう閉まっているかもしれません
That shop might already be closed.
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来月東京に引っ越すかもしれません
I might move to Tokyo next month.
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あのかばんは田中さんのかもしれません
That bag might be Tanaka's.
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今日は先生が休みかもしれません
The teacher may be absent today.
12 more examples
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この薬は私には強いかもしれません
This medicine might be too strong for me.
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まだ時間があるかもしれません
There may still be time.
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明後日は雨かもしれません
It is possible that it will rain the day after tomorrow.
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この部屋は静かかもしれません
It is possible that this room is quiet.
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この道は安全かもしれません
It is possible that this road is safe.
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彼はもう家に帰ったかもしれません
It is possible that he has already gone home.
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今度の試験は難しいかもしれません
It is possible that the coming exam will be difficult.
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その荷物は重いかもしれません
It is possible that that luggage is heavy.
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電車は五時に着くかもしれません
It is possible that the train will arrive at five.
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田中さんは今日来ないかもしれません
It is possible that Mr. Tanaka will not come today.
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その店は休みかもしれません
It is possible that that shop is closed for the day.
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新しい先生は親切かもしれません
It is possible that the new teacher is kind.
Important notes
- かもしれない presents a possibility without asserting it as certain.
Common mistakes
- Present nouns and な-adjectives omit だ: 雨かもしれない, 静かかもしれない.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
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