How do you say "Might / maybe (polite)" in Japanese?

"Might / maybe (polite)" in Japanese is "かもしれません". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "かもしれません" mean in English?

"かもしれません" means "Might / maybe (polite)" in English. Usage tip: [かもしれません] adds a polite “maybe,” softening statements: [大きいかもしれません] = “It might be loud.”

🤔

How to Say ‘Might / maybe (polite)’ in Japanese

かもしれません

ka mo shire mase n

[kah moh sheh-reh mah-seh n]

💬 Usage Tip: [かもしれません] adds a polite “maybe,” softening statements: [大きいかもしれません] = “It might be loud.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: Softening language is a big part of sounding friendly in Japan—especially when asking someone to change behavior.

Phrase Breakdown

か

[kah]

might / may (possibility)

In かもしれません, か is part of the set phrase expressing possibility. Using this softens complaints (less direct).

Example

音が大きいかもしれません。

The sound might be loud.

も

[moh]

also / (part of) might

も is “also,” but in かもしれません it’s part of the fixed grammar meaning “might/maybe.”

Example

少しうるさいかもしれません。

It might be a little noisy.

しれ

shire

[sheh-reh]

know (part of) / be aware (part of)

しれ comes from 知る (to know). In かもしれません, it forms the expression “might be.”

Example

今、音が聞こえるかもしれません。

You might be able to hear the sound now.

ませ

mase

[mah-seh]

polite negative (part of ません)

ませ is part of ません (polite negative). In かもしれません, it makes the expression polite.

Example

ご迷惑かもしれませんが、少しだけお願いします。

It may be a bother, but please just a little.

ん

[n]

n (part of ません)

ん completes ません, making the polite negative ending in かもしれません.

Example

音楽が大きいかもしれません。

The music might be loud.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager