Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we are learning でしょう (deshou). It's a word that helps you guess things! Imagine you see a fluffy cat. You can say, 'The cat is cute, でしょう?' This means 'The cat is cute, isn't it?' You are asking your friend if they think so too. You can also use it to guess. If it's sunny, you can say, 'It's sunny today, でしょう?' This means 'It's sunny today, probably.' It's like saying 'I think so!' It's a polite way to talk. You use it when you talk to people you don't know very well or people older than you. It makes your sentences sound nice!
Let's talk about でしょう (deshou). This is a very useful ending for Japanese sentences. You can use it in two main ways. First, to make a guess or prediction. For example, if you see someone eating ice cream on a cold day, you might think, 'That person must be cold, でしょう?' This means 'That person is probably cold, isn't it?' You are guessing. Second, you can use でしょう to ask for agreement, like a tag question in English. If you think a movie was good, you can say, 'That movie was interesting, でしょう?' meaning 'That movie was interesting, wasn't it?' It's a polite way to speak, so you use it with teachers, strangers, or people you want to show respect to. It's softer than just stating a fact.
The Japanese auxiliary でしょう (deshou) is a fundamental part of polite and nuanced conversation. Its primary functions are expressing conjecture (probability) and seeking confirmation (tag questions). When expressing conjecture, it indicates that the speaker is making an educated guess or prediction. For instance, after looking at the weather forecast, you might say, 'It will probably rain tomorrow, でしょう' (Ashita wa ame ga furu deshou). This conveys a moderate level of certainty.
As a tag question, でしょう invites the listener to agree with the speaker's statement. It's used when the speaker is fairly confident about their assertion but wants to ensure the listener is on the same page. For example, 'This restaurant is quite popular, でしょう?' (Kono resutoran wa ninki ga aru deshou?) implies you believe it's popular and are looking for confirmation. Remember, でしょう is the polite form of だろう (darou), making it suitable for most social interactions where politeness is expected.
でしょう (deshou) is a crucial auxiliary verb in Japanese, functioning both as a marker of conjecture and as a polite tag question. Its use significantly softens assertions and fosters interaction. As a conjectural expression, it indicates a speaker's belief about a situation's likelihood, falling somewhere between a strong conviction and mere speculation. For example, 'He is likely studying for the exam' would be '彼は試験勉強をしているでしょう' (Kare wa shiken benkyou o shite iru deshou). This is often used when direct knowledge is lacking but a reasonable inference can be made.
In its role as a tag question, でしょう seeks validation or agreement from the listener. It's employed when the speaker assumes the listener shares their perspective or knowledge. For instance, 'You've been to Kyoto before, でしょう?' (Kyoto ni itta koto ga aru deshou?) is a polite way to confirm a shared experience or a likely fact about the listener. The nuance here is that the speaker isn't demanding an answer but rather inviting a collaborative confirmation. Mastering でしょう is vital for navigating polite social dynamics and expressing nuanced opinions in Japanese.
The Japanese auxiliary でしょう (deshou) embodies a sophisticated blend of epistemic modality and social politeness. Its conjectural function allows speakers to express degrees of belief or assumptions about propositions without claiming absolute certainty. This is particularly valuable in academic or analytical contexts where definitive statements may be unwarranted. For example, 'Based on the data, the trend will likely continue' could be rendered as 'データに基づくと、その傾向は続くでしょう' (Deeta ni motozuku to, sono keikou wa tsuzuku deshou). This usage conveys a reasoned hypothesis rather than a factual declaration.
Furthermore, でしょう serves as a polite interrogative softener, akin to English tag questions but with a greater emphasis on maintaining social harmony. When used to seek agreement, it implies the speaker's expectation that the listener will concur, thereby strengthening rapport. Consider, 'This is a challenging task, でしょう?' (Kore wa muzukashii shigoto deshou?). This isn't merely a question but an invitation for shared understanding and acknowledgment. The choice between でしょう and its plain form だろう (darou) hinges entirely on the required level of politeness and the social distance between interlocutors, making でしょう indispensable for advanced, context-aware communication.
Delving into でしょう (deshou) at an advanced level reveals its intricate role in Japanese pragmatics and sociolinguistics. Beyond its standard functions of conjecture and polite confirmation, でしょう can subtly convey a speaker's stance, expectation, or even a veiled assumption. Its conjectural use, often seen as a polite variant of だろう, allows for nuanced expressions of probability that reflect varying degrees of evidential support or personal conviction. For instance, in scientific discourse, 'The experimental results suggest a correlation' might be phrased as '実験結果は相関関係を示唆しているでしょう' (Jikken kekka wa soukan kankei o shisa shite iru deshou), indicating a carefully considered inference rather than a proven fact.
As a pragmatic device for seeking agreement, でしょう functions as a politeness strategy that minimizes potential face-threat by framing assertions as shared knowledge or common ground. The implied expectation of agreement can range from gentle prompting to a more assertive, albeit still polite, confirmation. For example, 'You understand the gravity of the situation, でしょう?' (Juu'yousei o rikai shite iru deshou?) subtly pressures the listener to align with the speaker's assessment. Understanding the subtle variations in its usage, influenced by intonation, context, and the relationship between speakers, is paramount for achieving native-like fluency and mastering the cultural subtleties embedded within Japanese communication.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses probability ('probably', 'likely').
- Used as a polite tag question ('isn't it?').
- Attaches to verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
- It's the polite form of だろう (darou).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese word でしょう (deshou)! This little word is like a Swiss Army knife for expressing your thoughts in Japanese. It's primarily used to show that you're making a guess or a prediction about something. Think of it as your go-to for saying 'probably,' 'likely,' or 'I suppose.' It adds a layer of politeness and softens your statement, making it less direct than a simple assertion.
But wait, there's more! でしょう isn't just about guessing; it's also fantastic for seeking agreement from the person you're talking to. It functions like an English tag question, such as 'isn't it?' or 'don't you think?'. You use it when you're fairly sure about something and want your listener to confirm your idea. For example, if you see dark clouds, you might say, 'It looks like it's going to rain, でしょう?' This invites your listener to agree with your observation. It's a versatile ending that makes your Japanese sound more natural and engaging!
The word でしょう (deshou) has a fascinating origin rooted in the evolution of the Japanese language. It's believed to be a polite contraction derived from the older form でございましょう (de gozarimashou), which itself is an extremely polite and somewhat archaic way of saying 'it is' or 'will be.' The core of this lies in the verb あり (ari), meaning 'to be' or 'to exist,' which evolved into the more polite ござる (gozaru) and then into the even more formal ございます (gozaimasu).
The で (de) is a particle, and しょう (shou) is the conjectural form, essentially meaning 'will probably be.' Over time, for ease of use and to sound less stiff, the longer forms were shortened. でしょう emerged as a common, polite, and widely accepted way to express probability and seek agreement. It's a beautiful example of how language naturally streamlines itself while retaining its core meaning and politeness levels. You can still hear echoes of its more formal ancestors in very polite speech or historical dramas, but でしょう is the everyday champion!
でしょう is incredibly versatile, and understanding its usage is key to sounding natural in Japanese. You'll most often see it attached to the end of sentences, following various grammatical forms. It typically follows the dictionary form of verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives (after dropping the 'da'). For example: 晴れるでしょう (hareru deshou - It will probably be sunny), 美味しいでしょう (oishii deshou - It's probably delicious), 静かでしょう (shizuka deshou - It's probably quiet).
When used to express probability, it's common to pair it with adverbs that indicate uncertainty, like たぶん (tabun - maybe) or おそらく (osoraku - probably). For instance, たぶん明日は雨でしょう (Tabun ashita wa ame deshou - Maybe tomorrow it will be rain). As a tag question, it's used to confirm something you believe to be true. Imagine seeing a friend wearing a new hat: その帽子、似合っていますね。かっこいいでしょう？ (Sono boushi, niatte imasu ne. Kakkoii deshou? - That hat really suits you. It's cool, isn't it?). The register is generally polite but can be used in most everyday situations. In very formal settings, you might opt for ～と思われます (to omowaremasu) for conjecture, but でしょう remains a staple in polite conversation.
While でしょう itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom, its function as a softener and agreement-seeker is embedded in many conversational expressions. Think of it as a grammatical tool that enables idiomatic-like nuances in everyday speech.
- ～わけではないでしょう？ (wake dewa nai deshou?): This phrase means 'It's not that... is it?' or 'It's not the case that... is it?'. It's used to confirm a negative assumption or to gently challenge a statement. Example: 「彼は怒っているわけではないでしょう？」 (Kare wa okotte iru wake dewa nai deshou? - He's not angry, is he?)
- ～ということでしょう？ (to iu koto deshou?): This translates to 'So, you mean that...' or 'That's what you mean, isn't it?'. It's used to confirm understanding of someone else's statement. Example: 「つまり、締め切りは明日ということでしょう？」 (Tsumari, shimekiri wa ashita to iu koto deshou? - So, you mean the deadline is tomorrow, right?)
- ～はずでしょう？ (hazu deshou?): This combines the expectation marker 'hazu' with 'deshou', strengthening the sense of 'It should be... isn't it?'. It implies a strong expectation or a logical conclusion. Example: 「この道で合っているはずでしょう？」 (Kono michi de atte iru hazu deshou? - This should be the right way, shouldn't it?)
- ～に違いないでしょう (ni chigainai deshou): While 'ni chigainai' already means 'must be', adding 'deshou' softens it slightly, making it 'It must be... right?'. It expresses a strong conviction while still seeking confirmation. Example: 「彼女はきっと疲れているに違いないでしょう。」 (Kanojo wa kitto tsukarete iru ni chigainai deshou. - She must be tired, surely?)
Grammatically, でしょう (deshou) is an auxiliary verb, often considered a polite form of だろう (darou). It attaches to the end of clauses, modifying the entire statement. It can follow:
- The dictionary form of verbs: 行くでしょう (iku deshou - will probably go)
- The 'ta' form of verbs: 行ったでしょう (itta deshou - probably went)
- The dictionary form of na-adjectives + だ: きれいでしょう (kirei deshou - probably beautiful/clean)
- Nouns + だ: 学生でしょう (gakusei deshou - probably a student)
- i-adjectives: 暑いでしょう (atsui deshou - probably hot)
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is fairly straightforward: /de̞.ɕo̞.ɯ̟ᵝ/. Break it down: 'de' (like 'deh'), 'sho' (like 'show'), 'u' (a soft, almost silent 'oo' sound at the end, often lengthening the 'o' sound).
- IPA (British/American): /dɛˈʃəʊ/, /dɛˈʃoʊ/
- Common Errors: Some learners might over-pronounce the final 'u' sound, making it too distinct. It should be very subtle. Also, confusing it with the plain form だろう (darou) in polite conversation is a common pitfall. Remember でしょう is the polite version.
- Rhyming Words: While direct rhymes are rare due to its unique ending, words ending in similar vowel sounds or the '-ou' sound might be considered near rhymes in certain contexts, like そう (sou - so) or もう (mou - already), though their grammatical function and meaning are entirely different.
Fun Fact
The 'shou' part comes from the verb 'shi' (し) combined with the future/conjectural suffix 'ou' (う), evolving from older polite forms.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'deh-SHOW', with the 'show' part being the main stressed syllable and the final 'o' sound being elongated. The 'deh' is short and soft.
Similar to British English, 'deh-SHOH'. The final sound is a clear 'oh', with the stress on 'SHOW'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly.
- Misplacing the stress, often stressing the first syllable 'de'.
- Confusing the sound with similar-sounding words due to the 'sh' sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Relatively easy to recognize and understand in context.
Requires understanding of grammatical attachments and context for correct usage.
Requires correct pronunciation and intonation, especially when seeking agreement.
Easily identifiable due to its common usage and sentence-final position.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Dictionary Form)
行く (iku) -> 行くでしょう (iku deshou)
Adjective Conjugation (i-Adjectives)
暑い (atsui) -> 暑いでしょう (atsui deshou)
Adjective Conjugation (na-Adjectives)
静かだ (shizuka da) -> 静かでしょう (shizuka deshou)
Sentence Endings
でしょう often appears at the end of a sentence.
Examples by Level
ねこはかわいいでしょう？
cat TOPIC cute PROBABLE?
Use 'deshou' at the end to ask if someone agrees.
あしたは晴れるでしょう。
tomorrow TOPIC sunny PROBABLE
'Deshou' can mean 'probably' when you guess.
これは新しいでしょう。
this TOPIC new PROBABLE
Guessing something is new.
おいしいでしょう？
delicious PROBABLE?
Asking if food tastes good.
彼は学生でしょう。
he TOPIC student PROBABLE
Guessing someone's occupation.
今日は寒いでしょう。
today TOPIC cold PROBABLE
Guessing the weather.
それは本当でしょう。
that TOPIC true PROBABLE
Agreeing with something someone said.
もうすぐ着くでしょう。
soon arrive PROBABLE
Guessing arrival time.
この本は面白いでしょう？
this book TOPIC interesting PROBABLE?
Seeking agreement about a book's quality.
明日はきっと晴れるでしょう。
tomorrow surely sunny PROBABLE
Expressing a confident prediction about the weather.
田中さんはもう帰ったでしょう。
Tanaka Mr./Ms. already left PROBABLE
Making a likely assumption about someone's actions.
この料理は美味しいでしょうね。
this dish TOPIC delicious PROBABLE indeed
Expressing a positive assumption about food.
彼は疲れているでしょう。
he TOPIC tired PROBABLE
Guessing someone's physical state.
これは簡単でしょう。
this TOPIC easy PROBABLE
Assuming a task is easy.
週末は忙しいでしょう。
weekend TOPIC busy PROBABLE
Predicting a busy schedule.
それは本当でしょう？
that TOPIC true PROBABLE?
Seeking confirmation of a statement.
この映画は感動的でしょう？
this movie TOPIC moving PROBABLE?
Seeking agreement on the emotional impact of a film.
おそらく、明日は雨が降るでしょう。
probably tomorrow rain FALL PROBABLE
Using an adverb like 'osoraku' (probably) to strengthen the conjecture.
彼はもうこのプロジェクトを終えたでしょう。
he already this project FINISHED PROBABLE
Making a likely assumption about a completed task.
このレストランの評判は良いでしょう。
this restaurant's reputation TOPIC good PROBABLE
Inferring quality based on reputation.
彼女はきっと新しい仕事に慣れたでしょう。
she surely new job ACCUSTOMED PROBABLE
Expressing a confident prediction about someone's adaptation.
この問題はそれほど難しくないでしょう。
this problem TOPIC that much difficult NOT PROBABLE
Expressing a conjecture about the difficulty level.
来週はもっと寒くなるでしょう。
next week TOPIC more cold BECOME PROBABLE
Predicting a future change in weather.
あなたは彼を知っていますね。そうでしょう？
you him KNOW TAG_QUESTION right?
Using 'deshou' as a tag question to confirm knowledge.
この計画の成功は疑わしいでしょう。
this plan's success TOPIC doubtful PROBABLE
Expressing doubt or uncertainty about a plan's outcome.
彼はきっと、その知らせに驚いたでしょう。
he surely that news SURPRISED PROBABLE
Making a strong conjecture about someone's reaction.
この地域では、冬は雪が多いでしょう。
this region in winter SNOW much PROBABLE
Making a regional prediction based on common knowledge.
彼女の意見は、我々のものと違うでしょう。
her opinion OURS from different PROBABLE
Predicting a difference in opinion.
この技術は将来、もっと普及するでしょう。
this technology future MORE spread PROBABLE
Predicting the future adoption of technology.
あなたは、この件について既に承知しているでしょう。
you this matter about already aware PROBABLE
Politely assuming the listener's awareness of a matter.
この状況では、最善の策ではないでしょう。
this situation in best measure NOT PROBABLE
Expressing a conjecture about the effectiveness of a strategy.
この会議の目的は、情報共有でしょう？
this meeting's purpose TOPIC information sharing PROBABLE?
Seeking confirmation about the purpose of an event.
その分析結果は、我々の仮説を支持するものとなるでしょう。
that analysis result OUR hypothesis SUPPORTING thing BECOME PROBABLE
Expressing a reasoned conjecture in an analytical context.
長年の経験から、この問題は解決可能でしょう。
many years' experience from this problem SOLVABLE PROBABLE
Conveying a prediction based on expertise and experience.
彼の沈黙は、同意とは異なる意味合いを持つでしょう。
his silence AGREEMENT from different nuance HOLD PROBABLE
Interpreting subtle social cues with a degree of conjecture.
この変化は、組織全体に影響を及ぼすでしょう。
this change ORGANIZATION entire to effect EXERT PROBABLE
Predicting the broad impact of a change.
我々は、この課題に正面から取り組むべきでしょう。
WE this challenge directly tackle SHOULD PROBABLE
Suggesting a course of action with a polite, reasoned tone.
この状況は、当初の予測よりも複雑でしょう。
this situation INITIAL prediction than complex PROBABLE
Expressing a conjecture that a situation is more complex than initially thought.
あなたの懸念は理解できます。しかし、結果は異なるでしょう。
your concern UNDERSTAND CAN BUT result DIFFERENT PROBABLE
Acknowledging concerns while offering a contrasting prediction.
この提案は、多くの利害関係者の承認を得るでしょう。
this proposal MANY stakeholders' approval OBTAIN PROBABLE
Expressing a confident prediction about gaining approval.
その歴史的出来事の解釈は、今後も議論を呼ぶでしょう。
that historical event's interpretation FUTURE ALSO discussion INVITE PROBABLE
Making a nuanced prediction about ongoing academic discourse.
彼の芸術的表現は、既存の枠組みを超えたものとなるでしょう。
his artistic expression EXISTING framework BEYOND thing BECOME PROBABLE
Conveying a sophisticated interpretation of artistic innovation.
この技術的ブレークスルーは、社会構造に不可逆的な変容をもたらすでしょう。
this technological breakthrough societal structure IRREVERSIBLE transformation BRING PROBABLE
Predicting profound and irreversible societal shifts.
その政治的決断の真意は、後世になってようやく明らかになるでしょう。
that political decision's true meaning LATER GENERATIONS ONLY THEN become clear PROBABLE
Speculating about the long-term historical understanding of an event.
我々は、この複雑な倫理的ジレンマに対して、より深い洞察を必要とするでしょう。
WE this complex ethical dilemma TOWARDS deeper insight NEED PROBABLE
Expressing the need for further intellectual engagement with a complex issue.
この文学作品の多層的な意味合いは、読者によって多様に解釈されるでしょう。
this literary work's multi-layered meaning READERS by diversely interpreted PROBABLE
Predicting varied interpretations of a complex text.
彼の静かな態度は、内なる葛藤の表れであると推察されるでしょう。
his quiet demeanor INTERNAL conflict's manifestation IS inferred PROBABLE
Making a sophisticated inference about internal psychological states.
この文化的現象の根源は、さらに遡る必要があるでしょう。
this cultural phenomenon's root FURTHER trace NEED PROBABLE
Suggesting the need for deeper historical or cultural investigation.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"～わけではないでしょう？"
It's not that... is it? / It's not the case that... is it? (Seeking confirmation of a negative assumption)
彼は忙しいわけではないでしょう？ (Kare wa isogashii wake dewa nai deshou?) - He's not busy, is he?
casual/neutral"～ということでしょう？"
So, you mean that... / That's what you mean, isn't it? (Confirming understanding)
つまり、この方法でいいということでしょう？ (Tsumari, kono houhou de ii to iu koto deshou?) - So, you mean this method is fine, right?
neutral"～はずでしょう？"
It should be... isn't it? (Expressing strong expectation/logical conclusion)
この道で合っているはずでしょう？ (Kono michi de atte iru hazu deshou?) - This should be the right way, shouldn't it?
neutral"～に違いないでしょう"
It must be... surely? (Strong conviction seeking confirmation, slightly softened)
彼女はきっと疲れているに違いないでしょう。 (Kanojo wa kitto tsukarete iru ni chigainai deshou.) - She must be tired, surely?
neutral"～でしょうね"
It probably is... isn't it? (Expressing conjecture with a sense of shared understanding or empathy)
それは大変でしょうね。 (Sore wa taihen deshou ne.) - That must be tough, I imagine.
neutral"～でしょうと思う"
I think it will probably be... (Expressing personal conjecture)
明日は晴れるでしょうと思う。(Ashita wa hareru deshou to omou.) - I think it will probably be sunny tomorrow.
neutralEasily Confused
Both express conjecture and are related.
でしょう is the polite form, suitable for general use. だろう is the plain/casual form, used with close friends or inferiors.
【Polite】明日は雨でしょう。(Ashita wa ame deshou.) vs 【Casual】明日は雨だろう。(Ashita wa ame darou.)
Both express personal belief or opinion.
～でしょう expresses a likelihood or seeks agreement, often based on observation or inference. ～と思います (to omoimasu) directly states 'I think' and is more about personal belief than objective likelihood.
【Likelihood】彼は来るでしょう。(Kare wa kuru deshou.) vs 【Personal Belief】彼は来ると思います。(Kare wa kuru to omoimasu.)
Both can express expectation.
～はずです (hazu desu) indicates a stronger expectation based on logic, reason, or a promise. ～でしょう is more about probability or conjecture, with less certainty than はずです.
【Strong Expectation】約束したから、彼は来るはずです。(Yakusoku shita kara, kare wa kuru hazu desu. - Because we promised, he is expected to come.) vs 【Probability】彼は来るでしょう。(Kare wa kuru deshou. - He will probably come.)
Both express possibility or uncertainty.
～かもしれません (kamoshiremasen) indicates a possibility, often with less certainty than でしょう. It's a more direct way of saying 'maybe' or 'might'. でしょう can imply a higher degree of likelihood or seeking confirmation.
【Possibility】雨が降るかもしれません。(Ame ga furu kamoshiremasen. - It might rain.) vs 【Likelihood/Guess】雨が降るでしょう。(Ame ga furu deshou. - It will probably rain.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + でしょう
彼は学生でしょう。(Kare wa gakusei deshou.) - He is probably a student.
i-Adjective + でしょう
今日は暑いでしょう。(Kyou wa atsui deshou.) - It's probably hot today.
na-Adjective + でしょう
この部屋は静かでしょう。(Kono heya wa shizuka deshou.) - This room is probably quiet.
Verb (dictionary form) + でしょう
明日、雨が降るでしょう。(Ashita, ame ga furu deshou.) - It will probably rain tomorrow.
Verb (ta-form) + でしょう
彼はもう帰ったでしょう。(Kare wa mou kaetta deshou.) - He probably already went home.
Sentence + でしょう？
この映画は面白いでしょう？(Kono eiga wa omoshiroi deshou?) - This movie is interesting, isn't it?
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
でしょう implies uncertainty or seeking agreement. Using it for known facts sounds strange or hesitant.
でしょう is the polite form. Using だろう with superiors or strangers is rude.
Making the 'u' too clear can sound unnatural.
Without the questioning tone, it might just sound like a statement of conjecture.
Incorrect attachment makes the sentence grammatically wrong.
Tips
Sound Association
Associate 'deshou' with the sound of someone saying 'Show me!' when they're trying to guess or confirm something.
Politeness is Key
Always use でしょう instead of だろう when speaking to teachers, superiors, or strangers to maintain politeness.
Harmony Seeker
Using でしょう, especially as a tag question, helps create a sense of harmony and shared understanding, which is important in Japanese culture.
End-of-Sentence Power
Remember that でしょう is almost always found at the very end of a sentence or clause.
Subtle Ending
Don't over-pronounce the final 'u' in でしょう. It's often just a slight lengthening of the 'o' sound.
Fact vs. Guess
Avoid using でしょう for absolute facts. Use です/ます instead. でしょう is for when there's a possibility or you're seeking confirmation.
Evolution of Politeness
でしょう is a shortened, more convenient form of older, extremely polite expressions, showing how language adapts for everyday use.
Practice with Observation
Look around you and make guesses using でしょう: 'It's sunny today, でしょう?' 'That person looks happy, でしょう?'
Tag Question Nuance
When using でしょう as a tag question, your tone of voice is crucial. A slight upward inflection signals you're seeking agreement.
Adjective Endings
Quick check: i-adjectives attach directly (暑いでしょう), na-adjectives and nouns drop the 'da' (静かでしょう, 学生でしょう).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Show me!' - 'Is it like this, <strong>でしょう</strong>?' when you're guessing or asking for confirmation.
Visual Association
Imagine a detective saying, 'The butler did it... <strong>でしょう</strong>?' while pointing a finger, seeking agreement on their deduction.
Word Web
Challenge
Try making 5 guesses about your surroundings today using <strong>でしょう</strong>. For example, 'It's warm in here, <strong>でしょう</strong>?'
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Polite form of conjectural 'darou', derived from 'de gozarimashou' (a very polite form of 'will be').
Cultural Context
Using でしょう appropriately shows respect and politeness, which are highly valued in Japanese culture. Using the plain form だろう (darou) in the wrong context can be seen as rude.
In English, we use 'probably,' 'likely,' 'I guess,' or tag questions like 'isn't it?', 'don't you think?' to convey similar meanings. The Japanese use of でしょう is often more integrated into sentence structure.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather Forecast Discussion
- 明日は晴れるでしょう。(Ashita wa hareru deshou.) - It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
- 雨が降るでしょう。(Ame ga furu deshou.) - It will likely rain.
- 風が強いでしょう。(Kaze ga tsuyoi deshou.) - It will probably be windy.
Guessing Someone's Situation
- 彼は疲れているでしょう。(Kare wa tsukarete iru deshou.) - He is probably tired.
- 彼女は忙しいでしょう。(Kanojo wa isogashii deshou.) - She is probably busy.
- それは大変でしょう。(Sore wa taihen deshou.) - That must be tough.
Seeking Agreement on Opinions
- この料理は美味しいでしょう？(Kono ryouri wa oishii deshou?) - This dish is delicious, isn't it?
- この映画は感動的でしょう？(Kono eiga wa kandoteki deshou?) - This movie was moving, wasn't it?
- それは正しいでしょう？(Sore wa tadashii deshou?) - That's correct, isn't it?
Making General Observations
- 日本は安全でしょう。(Nihon wa anzen deshou.) - Japan is probably safe.
- この本は有名でしょう。(Kono hon wa yuumei deshou.) - This book is probably famous.
- 彼は親切な人でしょう。(Kare wa shinsetsu na hito deshou.) - He is probably a kind person.
Conversation Starters
"今日の天気はどうでしょう？(Kyou no tenki wa dou deshou?) - What do you think about today's weather?"
"この新しいカフェ、試しましたか？いいでしょう？(Kono atarashii kafe, tameshimashita ka? Ii deshou?) - Have you tried this new cafe? It's good, isn't it?"
"週末は何をしましたか？楽しかったでしょう？(Shuumatsu wa nani o shimashita ka? Tanoshikatta deshou?) - What did you do on the weekend? It was fun, wasn't it?"
"あの新しい映画、もう見ましたか？面白そうでしょう？(Ano atarashii eiga, mou mimashita ka? Omoshirosou deshou?) - Have you seen that new movie yet? It looks interesting, doesn't it?"
"最近、日本語の勉強はどうですか？難しいでしょう？(Saikin, Nihongo no benkyou wa dou desu ka? Muzukashii deshou?) - How's your Japanese study going lately? It's difficult, isn't it?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you made a guess using でしょう. What did you guess, and were you right?
Think about a friend or family member. Make three polite assumptions about them using でしょう (e.g., 'They are probably happy today').
Write a short paragraph about your favorite hobby, using でしょう to express your enthusiasm or predict someone else's reaction.
Imagine you are explaining a Japanese cultural concept to a foreigner. Use でしょう to make educated guesses about their potential understanding or reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsでしょう is the polite form, used in most social situations. だろう is the plain/casual form, used with close friends or inferiors.
Yes, when followed by a rising intonation or a question mark, でしょう functions as a tag question to seek agreement or confirmation.
No, it has two main uses: expressing probability/conjecture (guessing) and seeking agreement/confirmation (tag question).
It attaches to the dictionary form of verbs, the 'ta' form of verbs, i-adjectives directly, and na-adjectives/nouns after dropping the 'da' (e.g., きれいでしょう, 学生でしょう).
Adding the particle 'ne' (ね) after でしょう often softens the conjecture further, expressing empathy or seeking shared understanding. It's like saying 'It probably is... isn't it?' with a sympathetic tone.
While でしょう expresses likelihood, for stronger certainty, phrases like ～に違いない (ni chigainai - must be) are more appropriate. でしょう implies a degree of uncertainty or a desire for confirmation.
Yes, でしょう is common in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in polite or neutral contexts like articles, essays, and formal emails.
～でしょう expresses conjecture or seeks agreement directly. ～と思います (to omoimasu - I think) expresses a personal opinion or belief about something, often followed by でしょう for added nuance (e.g., 雨が降るでしょうと思います - I think it will probably rain).
Test Yourself
このケーキはとてもおいしい ____。
The sentence implies seeking agreement or making a positive assumption about the cake's taste, making 'deshou' appropriate.
Which sentence uses でしょう to express probability?
The sentence '明日は晴れるでしょう' (Ashita wa hareru deshou) predicts the weather, indicating probability.
でしょう can only be used to make guesses, not to seek agreement.
でしょう has two main uses: expressing probability/conjecture and seeking agreement (like a tag question).
Word
Meaning
These pairs demonstrate the dual function of でしょう in seeking agreement and expressing probability.
The correct order is '明日、たぶん晴れるでしょう' (Ashita, tabun hareru deshou), meaning 'Maybe it will be sunny tomorrow.'
このレストランはいつも混んでいますね。人気がある ____。
The context 'いつも混んでいますね' (it's always crowded) implies seeking agreement or making a likely assumption, fitting 'deshou'.
Which sentence uses でしょう to express a sophisticated conjecture based on evidence?
'データに基づくと、その傾向は続くでしょう' (Based on the data, the trend will likely continue) shows a reasoned inference.
Using でしょう with a rising intonation always implies a strong certainty.
A rising intonation with でしょう typically seeks agreement or confirmation, not necessarily expressing strong certainty. The certainty level depends on context and other cues.
The correct sentence is 'この技術的ブレークスルーは、社会構造に不可逆的な変容をもたらすでしょう' (This technological breakthrough will likely bring about irreversible changes to the social structure).
彼の沈黙は、同意とは異なる意味合いを持つ ____。
The sentence discusses a subtle interpretation of silence, implying conjecture about its meaning, making 'deshou' the most appropriate choice for nuanced expression.
Score: /10
Summary
でしょう is your friendly, polite tool for making educated guesses and inviting agreement in Japanese.
- Expresses probability ('probably', 'likely').
- Used as a polite tag question ('isn't it?').
- Attaches to verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
- It's the polite form of だろう (darou).
Sound Association
Associate 'deshou' with the sound of someone saying 'Show me!' when they're trying to guess or confirm something.
Politeness is Key
Always use でしょう instead of だろう when speaking to teachers, superiors, or strangers to maintain politeness.
Harmony Seeker
Using でしょう, especially as a tag question, helps create a sense of harmony and shared understanding, which is important in Japanese culture.
End-of-Sentence Power
Remember that でしょう is almost always found at the very end of a sentence or clause.
Example
明日は晴れるでしょう。
Related Content
Related Phrases
More communication words
について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
