JLPT N4

かもしれない

Might / Maybe

Structure

Plain form かもしれない

How it works

This grammar point expresses a possibility that something might happen or could be true, usually with about a 50% or less certainty. It is used with the plain form of verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives (dropping the 'da'), and nouns.

Examples

明日は雨が降るかもしれない。

It might rain tomorrow.

彼は道に迷ったかもしれない。

He might have lost his way.

そのテストは難しいかもしれない。

That test might be difficult.

Common mistakes

Forgetting to remove 'da' when using 'kamoshirenai' with nouns or na-adjectives (e.g., saying 'ame da kamoshirenai' is incorrect).

Tip

In casual conversation, 'kamoshirenai' is often shortened to just 'kamo' at the end of the sentence.

More JLPT N4 grammar

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