でしょう
Right?, Probably, Isn't it?
Structure
Noun + でしょう
Verb + でしょう
Adjective + でしょう
Explanation
でしょう is derived from the polite copula です and has a more casual, shortened form: でしょ. Its English equivalents are often 'probably' or 'right?'. Fundamentally, it's used to make a statement while suggesting that the listener likely shares the same view.
- 昨日のパーティーは楽しかったでしょう。Yesterday's party was fun, wasn't it? (Has the nuance of 'I bet!')
- あの人は学生でしょう。That person is probably a student, right?
The examples above both illustrate how the speaker is either seeking confirmation from the listener or asserting something they expect the listener to agree with.
Since でしょう comes from です (the polite version of だ), it typically attaches to the plain form of verbs and adjectives. The ～ますでしょう form is not common in modern conversation but may appear in highly formal writing or older texts.
- 田中さんも来るでしょう。Tanaka-san will probably come too.
- 田中さんも来ますでしょう。Tanaka-san will probably come too.
Caution
Although でしょう can sound like the speaker is uncertain, it actually suggests they have a solid reason or evidence for their assumption. It's not a complete guess.
Examples
あれは田中さんの机でしょう。
That is Tanaka's desk, right?
このラーメンはおいしいでしょう。
This ramen is delicious, isn't it?
テストは難しいでしょう。
The test will probably be difficult.
明日は晴れでしょう。
It will probably be sunny tomorrow.
あの人は有名でしょう？
That person is famous, right?
疲れたでしょう。
You're tired, aren't you?
彼は来るでしょう。
He will probably come.
パーティーは土曜日でしょう。
The party is on Saturday, right?
あなたの部屋はきれいでしょう。
Your room is clean, isn't it?
大丈夫でしょう。
It'll probably be alright.
あの人を知っているでしょう。
You know him, right?
もうすぐ映画が始まるでしょう。
The movie will probably start soon.