How to say "unlikely" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- pre-noun adjectivalCovers 'unlikely' only via the sense of an unexpected or strange outcome, often one that turns out badly or absurdly. It is really the word for 'an unlikely mishap', so it seldom serves for neutral improbability.
- suffix, na-adjectiveThis is the closest match for the plain predictive sense of 'unlikely': something seems not to exist, happen, or be possible. Use it when you want to say an event, result, or opportunity appears improbable.
- 怪しいあやしいi-adjectiveIts core senses are doubtful, unsure, or uncertain; 'unlikely' is only a marginal extension. Reach for it when something is questionable or untrustworthy, not as your usual way to say that something is improbable.
Use 「なさそう」 for the ordinary predictive sense of 'unlikely' (something seems improbable); 「とんだ」 for an unexpected, outlandish outcome; and 「怪しい」 mainly when something is doubtful or suspect rather than truly unlikely.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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