The difference between maybe and probably
Jun 19th 2009 00:30
I often used 'maybe' when I spoke and wrote English till now.The word 'maybe ' could be translated as 'たぶん' in Japanese. たぶん is very useful word in Japanese.
For example, you asked your friend to come to your party then your friend said 'たぶん'. In this case, your friend probably come to your party. On the other hand, there is a possibility that your friend doesn't.
'たぶん' has meanings of maybe and probably.
Because of that, I often used 'maybe' the same way as 'たぶん'.
I am going to use both maybe and probably as the situation.
【If you know more natural phrase, please tell me!!】
For example, you asked your friend to come to your party then your friend said 'たぶん'. In this case, your friend probably come to your party. On the other hand, there is a possibility that your friend doesn't.
'たぶん' has meanings of maybe and probably.
Because of that, I often used 'maybe' the same way as 'たぶん'.
I am going to use both maybe and probably as the situation.
【If you know more natural phrase, please tell me!!】
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I often used 'maybe' when I spoke and wrote English till now. （ "until now" along with having the sentence in the past tense means that your not going to use the word "maybe" any more ) I often use 'maybe' when I speak and write English
たぶん is very a useful word in Japanese.
For example, you asked your friend to come to your party then your friend said 'たぶん'. (When talking about hypothetical situations you would normally use future tense.)
In this case, your friend would probably come to your party.
On the other hand, there is a possibility that your friend won't go.
'たぶん' has the meaning of both maybe and probably.
I am going to use both maybe and probably as the situation requires.
【If you know any more natural phrases, please tell me!!】
When I use Japanese and want to express "maybe" I don't ever feel like たぶん fits. I always feel like it is too forceful to use たぶん when I want to use maybe.
"Might" is a good word. for example, "I might go to the party." "I might go to the party" is similar to "I may go to the party" but I would use "might" because "may" sounds slightly arrogant in this sentence. At least in American English.
Sorry I missed your messages today on skype. Lets chat sometime soon.
For example, you asked your friend to come to your party and so your friend said 'たぶん'.
hmm.. 'Might' is a very useful. I am goint to use this word when needed.
I wrote about this topic here: http://www.jccc.jp/school/blog/english_corner/
You might (!) find it interesting and/or useful.
Cheers!
James