多分

• Reading: たぶん
• Romaji: tabun
• Kanji breakdown: 多 (ta) — many, much; 分 (bun) — part, portion
• Pronunciation: /ta.bɯɴ/

Meaning

Probably; likely; perhaps; maybe. Expresses moderate probability.

Used at the beginning of a sentence or before the predicate to indicate probability. Expresses a level of certainty around 60-80% — more confident than かもしれない (might) but less certain than きっと (surely). Often paired with でしょう or だろう at the end of the sentence.

Examples

1. 多分明日は雨でしょう。 It'll probably rain tomorrow.
2. 多分彼は来ないと思います。 I think he probably won't come.
3. 田中さんは多分知っていますよ。 Tanaka probably knows about it.

Usage Guide

Context: predictions, opinions, conversation

Tone: uncertain

Origin & History

Composed of 多 (ta, many/much) and 分 (bun, part/portion). Literally 'a large portion,' suggesting that the greater part of probability points toward the stated outcome.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal