〜かもしれない
might ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜かもしれない.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜かもしれない」 means "might ~". Structure: Plain + かもしれない. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
It softens predictions and helps you avoid sounding too certain.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用は延期になるかもしれません。
りよう は えんき に なる かもしれません。
riyou wa enki ni naru kamoshiremasen.
The use might be postponed.
Everyday life
Example 2指導は延期になるかもしれません。
しどう は えんき に なる かもしれません。
shidou wa enki ni naru kamoshiremasen.
The guidance might be postponed.
Everyday life
Example 3記録は延期になるかもしれません。
きろく は えんき に なる かもしれません。
kiroku wa enki ni naru kamoshiremasen.
The record might be postponed.
Everyday life
Example 4配送は延期になるかもしれません。
はいそう は えんき に なる かもしれません。
haisou wa enki ni naru kamoshiremasen.
The shipping might be postponed.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳は延期になるかもしれません。
つうやく は えんき に なる かもしれません。
tsuuyaku wa enki ni naru kamoshiremasen.
The interpretation might be postponed.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
The use might be postponed.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜かもしれない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.