〜でしょう
probably ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜でしょう.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜でしょう」 means "probably ~". Structure: Plain form + でしょう. This is a JLPT N4 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
At work
Example 1明日の会議は長いでしょう。
あした の かいぎ は ながい でしょう。
ashita no kaigi wa nagai deshou.
Tomorrow's meeting will probably be long.
Everyday life
Example 2明日の紹介は長いでしょう。
あした の しょうかい は ながい でしょう。
ashita no shoukai wa nagai deshou.
Tomorrow's introduction will probably be long.
Everyday life
Example 3明日の経験は長いでしょう。
あした の けいけん は ながい でしょう。
ashita no keiken wa nagai deshou.
Tomorrow's experience will probably be long.
Everyday life
Example 4明日の翻訳は長いでしょう。
あした の ほんやく は ながい でしょう。
ashita no hon'yaku wa nagai deshou.
Tomorrow's translation will probably be long.
Everyday life
Example 5明日の給料は長いでしょう。
あした の きゅうりょう は ながい でしょう。
ashita no kyuuryou wa nagai deshou.
Tomorrow's salary will probably be long.
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
Tomorrow's meeting will probably be long.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜でしょう.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.