〜かもしれません
might ~
Share a guess without presenting it as a certain fact.
Remember it
Leave room for doubt by adding 〜かもしれません.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜かもしれません」 means "might ~". Structure: Plain form + かもしれません. 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会議は難しいかもしれません。
かいぎ は むずかしい かもしれません。
kaigi wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen.
The meeting might be difficult.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介は難しいかもしれません。
しょうかい は むずかしい かもしれません。
shoukai wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen.
The introduction might be difficult.
Everyday life
Example 3経験は難しいかもしれません。
けいけん は むずかしい かもしれません。
keiken wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen.
The experience might be difficult.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳は難しいかもしれません。
ほんやく は むずかしい かもしれません。
hon'yaku wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen.
The translation might be difficult.
Everyday life
Example 5給料は難しいかもしれません。
きゅうりょう は むずかしい かもしれません。
kyuuryou wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen.
The salary might be difficult.
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 meeting might be difficult.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜かもしれません.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.