十中八九

• Reading: じっちゅうはっく
• Romaji: jitchuuhakku
• Kanji breakdown: 十 (juu/too) — ten; 中 (chuu/naka) — middle, among; 八 (hachi/ya) — eight; 九 (ku/kyuu) — nine
• Pronunciation: /dʑit.tɕɯː.hak.kɯ/

Meaning

In all probability; almost certainly; eight or nine times out of ten.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) used as an adverb meaning 'most likely' or 'in all probability.' Literally 'eight or nine out of ten,' it expresses a very high degree of certainty without absolute commitment. Often used when predicting outcomes or making educated guesses. More emphatic than たぶん (probably) but less absolute than 必ず (certainly).

Examples

1. この天気なら十中八九試合は中止になるだろう。 With this weather, the game will almost certainly be cancelled.
2. 彼の性格からして十中八九引き受けてくれるはずだ。 Knowing his personality, he'll almost certainly agree to it.
3. 準備不足だったので十中八九不合格だと思っていた。 Since I was underprepared, I was pretty sure I had failed.

Usage Guide

Context: prediction, conversation, evaluation

Tone: confident

Origin & History

A four-character compound from Chinese 十中八九, literally meaning 'eight or nine out of ten.' An intuitive numerical metaphor for high probability that has been used in East Asian languages for centuries.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal