Have you ever looked at the sky, seen dark clouds, and thought, "Hmm, it's probably going to rain"? Or maybe you’ve cooked a masterpiece and wanted to nudge your friend with a "It’s delicious, right?"

That’s exactly where だろう (darou) comes in!

It’s a super handy N5 expression used to make guesses or to seek a little bit of agreement from others. Think of it as your go-to word for "probably" or a casual "right?".
Sometimes we aren't 100% sure about something, and that's okay! だろう helps you express that uncertainty with style.

Ready to level up your guessing game? Let’s dive in!

2 Main Ways to Use だろう (darou)
1. Making a Guess (Probably / I think)
This is used when you are predicting something. It has a slightly formal or objective tone, often heard in weather forecasts or news.

明日は雨が降るだろう。
あしたは あめが ふる だろう。
ashita ha ame ga furu darou.
It will probably rain tomorrow.

2. Seeking Agreement (Right? / Don't you agree?)
When you want to confirm something with the listener, use a rising intonation at the end (だろう?). It’s like saying "Don't you think so too?"

この料理、美味しいだろう？
この りょうり、おいしい だろう？
kono ryouri, oishii darou?
This dish is delicious, isn't it?

でしょう(deshou) vs だろう (darou)
Both mean "probably" or "right?", but they change based on who you are talking to!

でしょう (deshou)
This is more polite and versatile. It is the best choice for talking to teachers, strangers, or in professional settings like weather forecasts. It sounds softer and more considerate.

彼はもうすぐ来るでしょう。
かれは もうすぐ くる でしょう。
kare ha mousugu kuru deshou.
He will probably come soon. (Polite)

だろう (darou)
This is a direct and casual form of でしょう. Use it with close friends or family. Be careful! It can sound strong, masculine, or bossy. Using it with superiors or strangers may seem assertive or like a "know-it-all." Never use it with your boss or teachers!

彼はもうすぐ来るだろう。
かれは もうすぐ くる だろう。
kare ha mousugu kuru darou.
He will probably come soon. (Casual)

バスはすぐ来るだろう。
ばすは すぐ くる だろう。
basu ha sugu kuru darou.
A bus will probably come soon.

あなたはひらがなとカタカナが書けるだろう？
あなたは ひらがな と かたかな が かける だろう？
anata ha hiragana to katakana ga kakeru darou?
You can write hiragana and katakana, right?

今度のテストは難しいだろう。
こんどの てすと は むずかしい だろう。
kondo no tesuto ha muzukashii darou.
The next test will probably be difficult.

このいちごは色も形も良くて、甘いだろう。
この いちご は いろ も かたち も よくて、あまい だろう。
kono ichigo ha iro mo katachi mo yokute, amai darou.
These strawberries have a good color and shape, so they are probably sweet.

病院での仕事は大変だろう。
びょういん で の しごと は たいへん だろう。
byouin de no shigoto ha taihen darou.
Working at a hospital must be tough.

犯人はあの男だろう。
はんにん は あの おとこ だろう。
hannin ha ano otoko darou.
The criminal is probably that man.

これは君の荷物だろう？
これ は きみ の にもつ だろう？
kore ha kimi no nimotsu darou?
This is your luggage, right?

• Grammar Point: だろう (darou)
• JLPT Level: N5
• Meaning: I think, it seems, probably, right?
• Quick Explanation: だろう is a versatile casual expression used to state a guess or to seek agreement from others with a rising intonation.
  
  
  

So that’s how we use だろう!
It’s a simple but powerful tool that helps you express your thoughts and connect with others in a natural way.

彼が監督の映画はきっと面白いだろう。
かれがかんとくのえいがはきっとおもしろいだろう。
Kare ga kantoku no eiga wa kitto omoshiroi darou.
Movies he directs are probably interesting.

Now it’s your turn! Try making your own sentences with だろう to practice what you've learned today! Think about what might happen tomorrow or check something with a friend.

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫✨

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