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B1 particle 8 min de leitura

～だろう

darou
Exemplos Notas e dicas ～だろう em 30 segundos
Explicação ～だろう in your Level:
At the A1 level, students are just beginning to learn how to express basic thoughts. 'Darou' is usually introduced much later, but its polite form 'deshou' might appear in weather reports. For an A1 learner, think of 'darou' as the 'informal version' of saying 'probably.' It's like adding 'right?' to the end of a sentence when talking to a close friend. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Ame darou' (It'll probably rain). However, at this stage, it's better to focus on 'desu' and 'masu' forms. If you do encounter 'darou', just remember it's a way for someone to say they aren't 100% sure, but they think they're right. It's often used with 'tabun' (maybe/probably) to make the meaning even clearer. You won't be expected to use it yourself yet, but recognizing it as a casual 'I guess' or 'It's likely' will help you understand informal conversations in anime or between friends.
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At the A2 level, you start to explore more casual speech patterns. 'Darou' becomes useful for making simple predictions or seeking agreement in casual settings. You learn that it attaches directly to verbs and adjectives. For example, 'Ashita wa samui darou' (Tomorrow will probably be cold). You also learn that it is the plain form of 'deshou'. This is an important step in moving away from strictly polite Japanese and understanding how friends talk to each other. You might start using it to ask your friends for confirmation: 'Kore, oishii darou?' (This is tasty, right?). At this level, you should focus on the basic grammar rules: no 'da' after nouns and na-adjectives. Understanding that 'darou' is a bit more 'masculine' or 'assertive' helps you choose the right tone when practicing speaking.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'darou' for more nuanced expressions of probability and conjecture. You understand that it expresses a relatively high degree of certainty (around 70-80%). You can use it to talk about future events, current states you aren't certain of, or past events ('~ta darou'). You also begin to use it in rhetorical questions like 'Naze darou?' to express wonder. B1 learners should be able to distinguish between 'darou' and 'kamoshirenai' (might) and use them appropriately based on how sure they are. You also start to see 'darou' used in writing, such as in essays or news articles, to present logical conclusions. This is the level where you truly start to integrate 'darou' into your daily vocabulary, especially in internal monologue and informal peer-to-peer communication.
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the social nuances of 'darou'. You understand that while it's 'plain,' it's not just 'casual'—it can also be authoritative or analytical. You use it in complex sentence structures, such as '...no darou ka' to express deep doubt or to pose a question to an audience in a speech. You are comfortable using it with adverbs like 'osoreku' (perhaps) or 'kitto' (surely) to fine-tune your degree of certainty. You also recognize when 'darou' is being used to scold or lecture someone ('Wakatte iru darou!'). At this level, your usage should feel natural, and you should be able to switch between 'darou' and 'deshou' seamlessly depending on the social environment. You also start to appreciate its role in literature for creating a specific narrative voice.
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At the C1 level, you use 'darou' with high sophistication. You understand its historical roots in 'de arou' and how that informs its use in formal, written Japanese. You can use it to construct persuasive arguments, using 'darou' to lead the reader to a conclusion that seems inevitable but is still framed as a logical deduction. You are sensitive to the gendered history of the word and how modern usage is shifting. You can identify the difference in nuance between 'darou' and other speculative endings like 'de arou' (very formal/literary) or 'mono darou ka' (expressing strong doubt or desire). Your ability to use 'darou' in rhetorical contexts allows you to express irony, sarcasm, or deep philosophical questioning in both speech and writing.
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At the C2 level, 'darou' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You use it to evoke specific tones in creative writing or to maintain a precise level of academic distance in scholarly papers. You understand the subtle differences between 'darou' and 'arou' in classical-influenced modern prose. You can analyze the use of 'darou' in political rhetoric to see how it builds a sense of shared reality or exerts pressure on an audience. You are fully aware of regional variations and how 'darou' might be replaced by dialectal equivalents like 'dappe' or 'ya rou'. For a C2 speaker, 'darou' is not just a grammar point; it's a versatile instrument used to manipulate the 'flavor' and 'certainty' of every statement, ensuring that the speaker's intent is perfectly aligned with the social and linguistic context.
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Exemplos Notas e dicas

～だろう em 30 segundos

  • Expresses a high degree of probability (around 70-80%) in informal or analytical contexts.
  • Functions as the plain-form equivalent of the polite particle 'deshou'.
  • Can be used to seek confirmation from the listener with a rising intonation.
  • Commonly used in internal monologues and rhetorical questions to express wonder.

The Japanese particle ～だろう (darou) is a fundamental grammatical tool used to express conjecture, probability, or to seek confirmation in a less formal or more assertive manner. It is the plain-form equivalent of ～でしょう (deshou). When a speaker uses darou, they are essentially saying 'probably,' 'I think,' or 'isn't it?' depending on the intonation and context. It indicates that the speaker is making a guess based on some evidence or intuition, but they are not 100% certain. In terms of social dynamics, darou is traditionally associated with masculine speech or a more authoritative tone, though its usage has become more neutralized in modern casual conversation and internal monologues.

Conjecture
Expressing a high degree of probability about a future event or an unknown current state. Example: 'It will probably rain.'

明日は雨が降るだろう。 (It will probably rain tomorrow.)

Beyond simple probability, darou is frequently used in rhetorical questions to express wonder or doubt. When someone asks 'Naze darou?' (I wonder why?), they aren't necessarily expecting an answer from someone else; they are reflecting on a mystery. This internal reflection is a key part of Japanese narrative style and daily thought processes. It also serves as a way to soften a statement by making it less of a direct fact and more of an opinion, even if the tone remains somewhat blunt compared to its polite counterpart.

Confirmation
Seeking agreement from the listener. Example: 'You're coming too, right?'

君も行くだろう？ (You're going too, right?)

In academic or journalistic writing, darou is used to present hypotheses or logical conclusions. It provides a sense of objectivity, suggesting that based on the data presented, the following conclusion is the most likely outcome. This avoids the over-certainty of 'da' (is) while maintaining a serious, analytical tone. It is also common in weather forecasts, where it sounds more professional and certain than 'kamoshirenai' (might) but less definitive than a simple statement of fact.

Rhetorical Wonder
Used in phrases like 'Why would that be?' to express internal pondering.

どうしてそんなことを言ったのだろう。 (I wonder why they said such a thing.)

Using ～だろう (darou) correctly requires understanding how it attaches to different parts of speech. Unlike some particles that require complex conjugations, darou is relatively straightforward but has specific rules for nouns and adjectives. It essentially replaces or follows the predicate of a sentence to add the nuance of 'probably.'

With Verbs
Attach darou directly to the dictionary form or the past tense (ta-form) of the verb. Example: 'Taberu darou' (Will probably eat), 'Tabeta darou' (Probably ate).

彼はもうすぐ来るだろう。 (He will probably come soon.)

When using darou with I-adjectives, it also attaches directly to the dictionary form. For example, 'Oishii darou' (It's probably delicious). For Na-adjectives and Nouns, you must be careful: you do not use the 'da' that usually follows them in plain form. Instead, you attach darou directly to the stem. So, instead of 'Shizuka da darou,' you say 'Shizuka darou' (It's probably quiet). Similarly, 'Ame darou' (It's probably rain), not 'Ame da darou.'

With Nouns & Na-Adjectives
Direct attachment to the base. No 'da' or 'na' is needed between the word and darou.

明日は休みだろう。 (Tomorrow is probably a holiday.)

To express the negative probability ('probably not'), you use the negative form of the verb or adjective followed by darou. For example, 'Konai darou' (Probably won't come) or 'Oishikunai darou' (Probably isn't delicious). For nouns and na-adjectives, use the 'ja nai' or 'dewa nai' form: 'Ame ja nai darou' (It's probably not rain). This flexibility allows for a wide range of speculative expressions across all time frames (past, present, future).

Negative Probability
Use the 'nai' form + darou. Example: 'Dekinai darou' (Probably can't do it).

そんなはずはないだろう。 (That probably isn't the case.)

The environment in which you hear ～だろう (darou) significantly changes its nuance. In everyday casual conversation among friends, particularly among male speakers, it is used to make guesses or to seek agreement in a slightly rough or confident way. However, it is also extremely common in formal media, albeit for different reasons. On news broadcasts, journalists use darou to present logical deductions about political or economic trends, giving their statements an air of objective analysis rather than personal opinion.

News & Media
Used for reporting predictions and analytical conclusions in a professional, objective tone.

景気は回復するだろう。 (The economy will likely recover.)

In literature and anime, darou is the go-to particle for internal monologues. Characters often use it to ponder their own feelings or the motives of others. If you are watching a detective show, the protagonist will frequently say 'Naze kare wa uso wo tsuita no darou?' (I wonder why he lied?). This usage highlights the 'wonder' aspect of the particle. It is also a hallmark of 'tough' or 'cool' male characters in fiction, who use it instead of 'deshou' to avoid sounding too soft or polite.

Casual Male Speech
Used among male friends to sound informal, direct, and somewhat assertive.

お前もそう思うだろう？ (You think so too, don't you?)

Interestingly, darou is also used in 'lecturing' or 'scolding' contexts. A parent or teacher might use it to force a child to admit to something: 'Wakatte iru darou!' (You understand, don't you!). In this sense, it is less about probability and more about asserting that something is obvious. This versatility makes it one of the most expressive particles in the Japanese language, moving from scientific prediction to casual banter to stern reprimand depending on the speaker's intent.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with ～だろう (darou) is using it in the wrong social context. Because it is the plain form, using it with a teacher, a boss, or a stranger can come across as rude, arrogant, or overly aggressive. Many learners assume it's just a casual 'probably,' but its assertive tone makes it much stronger than the English equivalent. Always default to ～でしょう (deshou) unless you are certain the situation is informal enough for darou.

The 'Da' Error
Incorrectly adding 'da' before 'darou' when using nouns or na-adjectives. Correct: 'Ame darou'. Incorrect: 'Ame da darou'.

× 彼は学生だだろう。 (Incorrect)
○ 彼は学生だろう。 (Correct)

Another common pitfall is the confusion between darou and kamoshirenai. While both express probability, darou indicates a much higher level of certainty (around 70-80%), whereas kamoshirenai is a weaker 'might' (around 50% or less). Using darou when you are very unsure makes you sound overconfident. Conversely, using kamoshirenai when something is almost certain makes you sound hesitant or evasive.

Misplaced Formality
Mixing 'darou' with polite verb forms. You should not say 'Ikimasu darou'; instead, use 'Iku darou' or 'Iku deshou'.

× 食べますだろう。 (Incorrect)
○ 食べるだろう。 (Correct)

Finally, remember that darou cannot be used to ask about the listener's own intentions in a polite way. For example, asking 'Iku darou?' to a superior to ask if they are going is considered rude. It sounds like you are making an assumption about their business. In such cases, a polite question like 'Ikaremasu ka?' or the softer 'Ikimasu ka?' is required. Darou is best reserved for external facts or mutual observations.

Japanese has several ways to express 'probably' or 'maybe,' and choosing the right one depends on your level of certainty and the social context. ～だろう (darou) sits in the middle-to-high range of certainty and is informal. Understanding its alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise in your communication.

～でしょう (deshou)
The polite version of darou. Used in formal settings, with superiors, or when you want to sound softer and more considerate. It is the standard way to express probability in polite Japanese.
～かもしれない (kamoshirenai)
Means 'might' or 'may.' It indicates a lower level of certainty than darou. Use this when there is only a possibility, even if it's unlikely.

雨が降るだろう (Probably will rain)
雨が降るかもしれない (Might rain)

Another alternative is ～に違いない (ni chigainai), which means 'must be' or 'without a doubt.' This is used when you are almost 100% certain based on strong evidence. If darou is 'probably,' ni chigainai is 'definitely.' On the other end of the spectrum is ～と思う (to omou), which simply means 'I think.' While darou sounds like a prediction about the world, to omou sounds like a personal opinion.

～はずだ (hazu da)
Means 'it should be' or 'it is expected to be.' It is used when there is a logical reason for something to happen, whereas darou can be based on mere intuition.

Finally, in very casual slang, you might hear ～べ (be) in certain dialects (like Tohoku or Kanto) as a substitute for darou, though this is very regional and should be used with caution. For learners, mastering the balance between darou, deshou, and kamoshirenai is the most important step in expressing varying degrees of certainty in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the Edo period, 'darou' was considered quite rough and was mostly used by the lower classes or in specific regional dialects before becoming a standard part of plain-form Japanese.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /dɑːroʊ/
US /dɑroʊ/
Flat pitch (Heiban) or falling pitch depending on the sentence context.
Rima com
Tarou (name) Jarou (dialect) Yarou (rough word for guy) Karou (overwork) Sarou (tea room) Harou (hello - katakana) Barou (borrow - katakana) Marou (mellow - katakana)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a light tap).
  • Over-stressing the 'ou' sound (it's a long 'o', not two distinct vowels).
  • Using a rising intonation when a statement of probability is intended.
  • Using a flat intonation when seeking confirmation.
  • Making the 'da' sound too heavy like 'dah'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize at the end of sentences.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering not to use 'da' with nouns/na-adjectives.

Expressão oral 4/5

Social nuance and intonation are tricky to master.

Audição 2/5

Very common and easy to hear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

だ (da) です (desu) でしょう (deshou) たぶん (tabun) ある (aru)

Aprenda a seguir

～かもしれない (kamoshirenai) ～に違いない (ni chigainai) ～はずだ (hazu da) ～そうだ (sou da) ～らしい (rashii)

Avançado

～であろう (de arou) ～ものだろうか (mono darou ka) ～のではなかろうか (no de wa nakarou ka)
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Exemplos por nível

1

明日は雨だろう。

Tomorrow will probably be rain.

Noun + darou.

2

彼は来るだろう。

He will probably come.

Verb (dictionary form) + darou.

3

これはおいしいだろう。

This is probably delicious.

I-adjective + darou.

4

たぶん大丈夫だろう。

It's probably okay.

Adverb 'tabun' + darou.

5

彼女は学生だろう。

She is probably a student.

Noun + darou (no 'da').

6

テストは難しいだろう。

The test will probably be difficult.

I-adjective + darou.

7

もう寝るだろう。

They will probably sleep soon.

Verb + darou.

8

あそこは静かだろう。

That place is probably quiet.

Na-adjective + darou (no 'da').

1

君もそう思うだろう？

You think so too, right?

Seeking confirmation with rising intonation.

2

昨日は暑かっただろう。

It was probably hot yesterday.

Past tense I-adjective + darou.

3

あの映画は面白くないだろう。

That movie probably isn't interesting.

Negative I-adjective + darou.

4

仕事は大変だろう。

Work must be hard (is probably hard).

Na-adjective + darou.

5

彼はもう食べたんだろう？

He already ate, didn't he?

Explanatory 'n' + darou.

6

そんなことはないだろう。

That's probably not the case.

Negative existence + darou.

7

明日は休みだろう？

Tomorrow is a holiday, right?

Noun + darou (confirmation).

8

安くないだろう。

It probably isn't cheap.

Negative I-adjective + darou.

1

なぜ彼はあんなことを言ったのだろう。

I wonder why he said such a thing.

Rhetorical wonder with 'no darou'.

2

努力すれば成功するだろう。

If you work hard, you will probably succeed.

Conditional + darou.

3

あんなに練習したんだから、勝てるだろう。

Since they practiced that much, they can probably win.

Reasoning + potential verb + darou.

4

この計画はうまくいかないだろう。

This plan probably won't go well.

Negative verb + darou.

5

犯人は窓から逃げたのだろう。

The culprit probably escaped through the window.

Past tense verb + 'no' + darou.

6

彼ならできるだろう。

If it's him, he can probably do it.

Noun + 'nara' + darou.

7

本当だろうか。

I wonder if it's true.

Darou + ka (deep doubt).

8

誰かが来るだろうと思っていた。

I was thinking that someone would probably come.

Embedded clause + darou.

1

経済は徐々に回復するだろうと予測されている。

It is predicted that the economy will likely recover gradually.

Quotative 'to' + passive 'yosoku sarete iru'.

2

彼が知らないはずはないだろう。

It's unlikely that he doesn't know, right?

Double negative 'hazu wa nai' + darou.

3

一体何が起こったのだろうか。

I wonder what on earth happened.

Emphatic 'ittai' + 'no darou ka'.

4

その話は本当なのだろうが、信じがたい。

That story is likely true, but it's hard to believe.

'No darou' + 'ga' (concession).

5

君にはわかっているだろうが、これは秘密だ。

You probably understand, but this is a secret.

Polite-ish 'darou ga' for context setting.

6

これこそが我々の求める答えだろう。

This must be the answer we are seeking.

Emphatic 'koso' + darou.

7

おそらく彼はもう出発しただろう。

He has probably already departed.

Formal adverb 'osoreku' + darou.

8

どちらが正しいのだろうか。

I wonder which one is correct.

Question word + 'no darou ka'.

1

人類はいつか火星に移住するのだろうか。

Will humanity eventually migrate to Mars, I wonder?

Philosophical 'no darou ka'.

2

それが運命というものなのだろう。

I suppose that is what they call fate.

Abstract noun + 'to iu mono' + darou.

3

いかに困難であろうとも、成し遂げるだろう。

No matter how difficult it may be, they will likely achieve it.

Concessive clause + darou.

4

彼の沈黙は何を意味しているのだろうか。

I wonder what his silence signifies.

Abstract investigation using 'no darou ka'.

5

これほど美しい景色が他にあるだろうか。

Could there be any other scenery as beautiful as this? (Rhetorical)

Rhetorical negative question.

6

社会のあり方は変わっていくのだろう。

The way society exists will likely change.

Continuous 'te iku' + 'no darou'.

7

それは単なる偶然に過ぎないのだろうか。

Is that merely a coincidence, I wonder?

'~ni suginai' + 'no darou ka'.

8

誰しも一度は死を想うことがあるだろう。

Everyone likely thinks about death at least once.

Universal subject 'dareshi mo' + darou.

1

言語という深淵に、我々は何を見出すのだろうか。

What do we find in the abyss that is language, I wonder?

Highly metaphorical/literary 'no darou ka'.

2

歴史の歯車は、残酷にも回り続けるのだろう。

The gears of history will likely continue to turn cruelly.

Personification + 'te iku' + darou.

3

存在の耐えられない軽さ、とでも言うべきなのだろうか。

Should one call it the unbearable lightness of being, perhaps?

Quotation + 'to demo iu beki' + 'no darou ka'.

4

真理は常に霧の彼方に隠されているのだろう。

Truth is likely always hidden beyond the mist.

Passive 'kakusarete iru' + darou.

5

個の意識は、大いなる流れに飲み込まれていくのだろうか。

Will individual consciousness be swallowed up by the great flow, I wonder?

Abstract passive + 'no darou ka'.

6

それが美学という名の傲慢なのだろう。

That is likely the arrogance known as aesthetics.

Critique using 'no darou'.

7

虚無の果てに、何が待ち受けているのだろう。

At the end of nothingness, I wonder what awaits.

Existential inquiry.

8

我々はただ、過ぎ去る時を眺めているだけなのだろうか。

Are we merely watching the passing of time, I wonder?

Restrictive 'dake' + 'no darou ka'.

Sinônimos

～でしょう ～かもしれない ～に違いない ～と思う ～はずだ ～と思われる ～だろうと思う ～であろう

Antônimos

～だ ～ではない ～なわけがない ～はずがない

Colocações comuns

たぶん～だろう
きっと～だろう
おそらく～だろう
～だろうか
～だろうと思う
～だろうな
～だろうね
～だろうよ
なぜ～だろう
どうだろう

Frases Comuns

そうだろう？

— That's right, isn't it? Used to seek agreement.

君もそうだろう？

なぜだろう

— I wonder why. Used for internal reflection.

なぜだろう、涙が出る。

どうだろうか

— I wonder how it is. Used to express uncertainty about a situation.

明日の天気はどうだろうか。

いいだろう

— That's fine / Okay. Used to give permission or accept something.

今回だけはいいだろう。

だろうね

— I guess so. A casual way to agree with someone's guess.

「疲れた」「だろうね」

何だろう

— What is it? / I wonder what it is.

あの音は何だろう。

誰だろう

— I wonder who it is.

ドアを叩いているのは誰だろう。

いつだろう

— I wonder when it will be.

次に行けるのはいつだろう。

どこだろう

— I wonder where it is.

私の鍵はどこだろう。

本当だろうか

— Is it really true? Expresses skepticism.

彼の話は本当だろうか。

Expressões idiomáticas

"～だろうが～だろうが"

— Whether it's X or Y. Used to show that the outcome is the same regardless.

雨だろうが雪だろうが、私は行く。

Assertive
"～だろうに"

— Even though it probably is... Expresses regret or irony.

言えばわかっただろうに。

Literary
"～だろうと"

— No matter if / even if. Similar to 'tatoe ~ demo'.

誰だろうと容赦しない。

Strong
"～と言わんばかりに"

— As if to say... (often used with 'darou').

「勝手だろう」と言わんばかりの顔だ。

Literary
"～というものだろう"

— That is what one would call... Used to define a concept.

それが人生というものだろう。

Philosophical
"～であろうとなかろうと"

— Whether it is or isn't. Formal version of 'darou ga nakarou ga'.

事実であろうとなかろうと関係ない。

Formal
"～だろうはずがない"

— There is no way it could be (redundant but used for emphasis).

そんなこと、あり得ないだろうはずがない。

Colloquial
"～だろうから"

— Because it's probably... Used for reasoning based on a guess.

忙しいだろうから、後にしよう。

Considerate
"～だろうよ"

— Of course it is! (Strongly assertive, can be rude).

そんなの当たり前だろうよ。

Rough
"～だろうねえ"

— I suppose so... (Drawn out, reflective).

大変だろうねえ。

Empathetic

Família de palavras

Relacionado

でしょう (deshou)
であろう (de arou)
だ (da)
ある (aru)
だろうか (darou ka)
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Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Darou' as 'D-Arrow'. You are pointing an 'Arrow' at a 'D' (Decision) that you are 'probably' sure about.

Associação visual

Imagine a weather forecaster pointing at a rain cloud with a slightly unsure expression.

Word Web

Probably Isn't it? I guess Deshou Conjecture Plain form Masculine News

Desafio

Try to end five of your internal thoughts today with 'darou' instead of 'da'. For example, 'Kyou wa isogashii darou' (Today will probably be busy).

Origem da palavra

Derived from the classical Japanese 'de arou' (で有ろう). 'De' is the particle indicating a state, and 'arou' is the presumptive form of 'aru' (to exist).

Significado original: Literally 'probably exists as' or 'will likely be'.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Avoid using 'darou' with people of higher status; it can sound like you are talking down to them.

English speakers often over-translate this as 'must be', but it's usually softer, more like 'I bet' or 'probably'.

Used frequently by Sherlock Holmes-style characters in Japanese fiction. Commonly heard in the 'Naze darou' segments of educational TV shows. Classic line in anime when a rival says 'Kite ita darou?' (You were expecting me, weren't you?)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Weather Forecasts

  • 雨が降るだろう
  • 晴れるだろう
  • 寒くなるだろう
  • 風が強いだろう

Casual Agreement

  • そうだろう？
  • だろうね
  • いいだろう
  • わかるだろう

Internal Thought

  • なぜだろう
  • どうしたのだろう
  • 誰だろう
  • 本当だろうか

Logical Deduction

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas

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