GE17 · Probably: 〜でしょう

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the elementary level, and assume basic grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GE01say what you can do
• GE02say who gives what to whom
• GE03say what happens if or when
• GE04say what something looks like
• GE05say something is done or happened by mistake
• GE06say what always happens when…
• GE07say something happens anyway
• GE08speak as among friends
• GE09say how things are left and prepare
• GE10say what happens if…
• GE11say what is done to you
• GE12say someone makes or lets another do something
• GE13say what you've decided to do
• GE14say what you have to do
• GE15give several reasons
• GE16say something might happen

What you learn

〜でしょう

• でしょうprobably

でしょう (probably) is surer than かもしれません and is common in weather forecasts: あしたは はれるでしょう. Like かもしれません, it follows the plain form, without だ after nouns and な-adjectives.

• あしたは はれるでしょう。ashita wa hareru deshou.It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
• あしたは ゆきでしょう。ashita wa yuki deshou.It will probably snow tomorrow.
• ぶちょうも くるでしょう。buchou mo kuru deshou.The boss will probably come too.
• きょうは さむいでしょう。kyou wa samui deshou.It will probably be cold today.
• しけんは かんたんでしょう。shiken wa kantan deshou.The exam will probably be easy.
• にもつは あした とどくでしょう。nimotsu wa ashita todoku deshou.The parcel will probably arrive tomorrow.

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.