How to Say Maybe in Japanese – Kamoshirenai’s Bunpo
SIMPLE FORM + KAMOSHIRENAI – probably verb
In Japanese, to say that something is very likely to happen in the future or to say that something has probably already happened, we use the word ~kamoshirenai. Both Japanese nouns and Japanese verbs in simple form (i.e. Base III) can be used to which we can attach one of three variable endings that vary in politeness.
When used after nouns or verbs in simple form, KAMOSHIREMASEN means: maybe noun, maybe verb, could have been a noun, could have been a verb, or probably a noun, or probably a verb, etc. Although by definition KAMO itself is the word for duck, the origin or roots of the word KAMOSHIREMASEN come primarily from the verb to know, or SHIRU. In this case, SHIRENAI means unable to know. The KA and MO pose even more uncertainty when put together because KA is the question mark (?) particle, and MO is the particle as well.
KAMO without SHIRENAI or SHIREMASEN is less polite but still understandable. It is allowed to use KAMO only when talking with close friends or acquaintances. However, since just saying KAMO is less polite, beginners should avoid saying it. It is better to always use the more polite form KAMOSHIREMASEN, but it is okay to say KAMOSHIRENAI when in the company of close friends etc.
If you were to listen to 10 minutes of any random Japanese conversation, you would most likely or probably (pun intended) hear the word KAMOSHIRENAI within that time. KAMOSHIRENAI is always used in Japanese conversation. Base III verbs are equivalent to what is known as the simple form of the verb, sometimes designated in JPPGG© Ghetto Grammar as PF
Verb (Base III) + KAMOSHIRENAI – more common, but less polite
Verb (Base III) + KAMOSHIREMASEN – more polite
Verb (Base III) + KAMO – less polite and funny to the ear
1. KAMOSHIREMASEN TORARETTE
could have been stolen
2. SOTSUGYO^SHISO?
SURU KAMOSHIRENAI
Are you going to graduate?
It’s possible! (Maybe!)
3. SON WA KAMO KAMO
It’s a duck, probably.-o-
It’s most likely a duck.-o-
It is probably a duck.-etc.
4. OISHII KAMO NE!
It probably tastes pretty good! (it’s not like that?)
(Tasty duck hunh~)
As always, Ganbatte Ne! Do your best!
Makurasuki Sensei.