Entry
ひょっとすると
hyottosuruto
An adverb meaning perhaps or possibly, often used to introduce a statement implying an unexpected possibility.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A grammar adverb used when the speaker suspects that something might be true or might happen, despite it being unexpected or having a lower probability. It functions as an epistemic adverb and must almost always be paired with uncertainty expressions like kamoshirenai or nodewanaika at the end of the sentence.
- Expresses a sudden realization of a possibility.
- Must be paired with expressions of uncertainty.
Sense Map
Unexpected Possibility
Used when suggesting a surprising hypothesis or an unexpected turn of events.
ひょっとすると彼が犯人かもしれない。
Apprehension
Used when suspecting a negative or worrying outcome might occur.
ひょっとすると明日は雨が降るかもしれない。
Usage Note
How to Use
ひょっとすると + clause + かもしれない
The most standard pattern, meaning 'perhaps [clause] might be true'.
ひょっとすると + clause + のではないか
Used to express a suspicion, meaning 'I wonder if perhaps [clause] is the case'.
ひょっとすると + clause + だろう
Used to state a hypothetical guess in a slightly more objective or formal tone.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ひょっとすると本当
possibly true
ひょっとすると明日
perhaps tomorrow
ひょっとすると来るかもしれない
might possibly come
ひょっとすると嘘
possibly a lie
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Guessing a surprising fact | neutral | Indicates the speaker just thought of a possibility they hadn't considered before. |
| Voicing a negative suspicion | negative | Often used to gently introduce a worrying possibility without sounding overly assertive. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
もしかすると もしかすると / similar | Very similar and frequently interchangeable. Used to express possibility. | Both mean 'perhaps', but ひょっとすると has a slightly stronger nuance of sudden realization or a more unexpected hypothesis compared to もしかすると. | もしかすると明日は晴れるかもしれない。 |
たぶん たぶん / similar | Used when the speaker is fairly confident about their guess (around 70-80% certainty). | たぶん means 'probably' and implies high certainty, whereas ひょっとすると implies a lower, more surprising possibility and requires an uncertainty verb ending. | たぶん明日は晴れる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it at the beginning of a sentence but ending with a definitive statement like です (desu) or ます (masu).
Always end the sentence or clause with a speculative expression like かもしれない (kamoshirenai).
Using it when you are almost certain something will happen.
Use たぶん (tabun) or きっと (kitto) for high probability. ひょっとすると is for lower, unexpected chances.
Examples
Examples
ひょっとすると、彼が本当の犯人かもしれない。
ひょっとすると、かれがほんとうのはんにんかもしれない。
Perhaps he is the real culprit.
FigurativeShows a guess about an unexpected fact (the culprit's identity).
ひょっとすると、明日は雨が降るかもしれない。
ひょっとすると、あしたはあめがふるかもしれない。
Perhaps it might rain tomorrow.
VisualUsed to guess about observable weather.
ひょっとすると、電車に間に合わないのではないか。
ひょっとすると、でんしゃにまにあわないのではないか。
I wonder if perhaps we might not make it for the train.
LiteralExpresses worry about a negative outcome (being late).
ひょっとすると、あの話は嘘だったのかもしれない。
ひょっとすると、あのはなしはうそだったのかもしれない。
Possibly, that story might have been a lie.
FigurativeGuessing a possibility that the past is different from what was believed.
ひょっとすると、風邪を引いたのかもしれない。
ひょっとすると、かぜをひいたのかもしれない。
Perhaps I might have caught a cold.
LiteralUsed when directly realizing a physical condition.
Similar Words
もしかすると
moshikasuruto
Very similar, used for general guesses.
たぶん
tabun
Higher probability than ひょっとすると.
Questions
Is ひょっとすると the same as たぶん?
No. たぶん means 'probably' (higher certainty). ひょっとすると means 'perhaps' or 'by some chance' (lower or unexpected certainty).
Do I always have to use かもしれない with it?
Yes, it is highly recommended. It needs an epistemic pairing at the end of the sentence to remain grammatically natural.
Can I use it in formal situations?
Yes, it is acceptable in standard speech and writing, though in formal writing you might also see もしかすると or appropriate formal endings like かもしれません.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010650
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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- ひょっと (hyotto)
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