How to say something might happen in Japanese

1. “〜恐れがある” vs. “〜かもしれない” (Differences and When to Use Each)

✅ Similarities:

• Both expressions indicate “possibility” (A might happen).
• Both can be used for predictions, but their nuance differs.

✅ Main Differences:

Expression	Meaning & Nuance	Usage
「〜恐れがある」	A might happen (usually negative, expressing risk or danger).	Formal settings, announcements, news, warnings.
「〜かもしれない」	A might happen (neutral, can be positive or negative).	Daily conversation, casual personal predictions.

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2. “〜恐れがある”

✅ Structure:

V dictionary form / Noun + の + 恐れがある

✅ Meaning:

• Indicates “there is a possibility that something bad may happen.”
• Has a strong sense of warning, risk, or concern.
• Mainly used in formal contexts, written language, and public announcements.

📌 Example Sentences

1. 「台風が接近しているため、大雨の恐れがあります。」
   (Since the typhoon is approaching, there is a possibility of heavy rain.)
   → Used in news or weather forecasts.
2. 「この薬には副作用の恐れがあります。」
   (This medicine may have side effects.)
   → Used in medical instructions.
3. 「地震の恐れがあるため、避難してください。」
   (There is a risk of an earthquake, so please evacuate.)
   → Used in emergency alerts.

✅ 📌 Summary of “恐れがある” Usage:

• Usually expresses a negative possibility (disasters, illness, accidents, risks).
• Used in official statements, news, and government warnings (e.g., weather forecasts, medical notices, emergency alerts).
• Formal and not used in daily conversation.

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3. “〜かもしれない”

✅ Structure:

V casual form / い-adjective / な-adjective / Noun + かもしれない

✅ Meaning:

• Expresses uncertainty about something that might happen.
• Can refer to both positive and negative possibilities.
• More casual than “恐れがある,” commonly used in daily conversation.

📌 Example Sentences

1. 「明日は雨が降るかもしれない。」
   (It might rain tomorrow.)
   → A personal guess, not an official forecast.
2. 「彼はもう家に帰ったかもしれない。」
   (He might have already gone home.)
   → A casual assumption.
3. 「この問題は簡単かもしれないね。」
   (This problem might be easy.)
   → Used in casual conversation.

✅ 📌 Summary of “かもしれない” Usage:

• Suitable for everyday conversation, more relaxed tone.
• Can indicate either positive or negative possibilities.
• Used for expressing personal guesses and assumptions.

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4. Can “〜恐れがある” and “〜かもしれない” Be Used Interchangeably?

✅ These two expressions CANNOT always replace each other.

❌ Cases Where They Cannot Be Interchanged

Sentence	Reason
「台風が近づいているため、大雨の恐れがあります。」 ❌ 「台風が近づいているため、大雨が降るかもしれません。」	“恐れがある” is used for news reports, emphasizing risk, while “かもしれない” is too casual for official announcements.
「この薬には副作用の恐れがあります。」 ❌ 「この薬には副作用があるかもしれません。」	“恐れがある” is for medical documents that emphasize risk. “かもしれない” sounds too uncertain for a warning.
「地震の恐れがあるため、避難してください。」 ❌ 「地震があるかもしれませんので、避難してください。」	“恐れがある” is used for emergency alerts. “かもしれない” sounds too weak for such a critical situation.

⭕ Cases Where They Can Be Interchanged

Sentence	Applicable Context
「彼はまだ家に帰っていないかもしれない。」✅ 「彼はまだ家に帰っていない恐れがある。」	If you’re worried about his safety, “恐れがある” can be used, but “かもしれない” sounds more natural.
「飛行機が遅れるかもしれない。」 ✅ 「飛行機が遅れる恐れがある。」	In casual conversation, “かもしれない” is better, but in airport announcements, “恐れがある” is more appropriate.

📌 Conclusion:

• ✅ For official reports, news, and warnings → Use「恐れがある」.
• ✅ For casual conversation, general speculation → Use「かもしれない」.
• ✅ If talking about risks, use “恐れがある.” If just guessing, use “かもしれない.”

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5. Which One Appears More Often in the JLPT N2/N3 Exams?

✅ 「〜恐れがある」 is an important N2 grammar point.

• Frequently appears in JLPT N2 grammar and reading comprehension questions.
• Often used in news articles, official announcements, medical descriptions, and warnings.
• Also tested alongside「〜可能性がある」 (which has a similar meaning).

✅ 「〜かもしれない」 is a key N3 grammar point.

• Commonly appears in N3-level grammar and listening exercises.
• Used in conversations, casual text, and informal speech.

📌 JLPT N2/N3 Exam Frequency

Expression	JLPT Level	Exam Frequency
「〜恐れがある」	N2	🌟🌟🌟🌟 (High)
「〜かもしれない」	N3	🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Very High)

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6. Conclusion

✅ 「恐れがある」 → Formal, used for warnings and serious risks. (N2 level)
✅ 「かもしれない」 → Casual, used for general possibility. (N3 level)

💡 If it’s an announcement, news, or warning → Use「恐れがある」.
💡 If it’s a casual conversation or simple guess → Use「かもしれない」.