N4 · Structured courses

Deshou: Probably, Right?

Learn でしょう for high-certainty conjecture and (with rising intonation) seeking confirmation. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn でしょう for high-certainty conjecture and (with rising intonation) seeking confirmation.
  • Form and connection: [Plain form] でしょう
  • Nuance in real use: でしょう bridges conjecture and confirmation — it assumes you and the listener share the same cognitive ground, just doing a final check.

Form and connection

[Plain form] でしょう

Core Explanation

Learn でしょう for high-certainty conjecture and (with rising intonation) seeking confirmation.

Cultural Note

でしょう bridges conjecture and confirmation — it assumes you and the listener share the same cognitive ground, just doing a final check.

Practical examples

It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
It'll be fine, right?
They've probably arrived by now.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Plain form] でしょう
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerIt will probably be sunny tomorrow.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answerもう着ついたでしょう。 ([Plain form] でしょう)

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