Introduction

The grammar pattern kamoshiremasen is an important JLPT N4 grammar used to express possibility or uncertainty. This grammar is used when the speaker is not sure about something and wants to say that something may or may not happen. It appears very frequently in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections, especially in conversations, predictions, and opinions.

This article explains kamoshiremasen clearly in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji. All section headings are highlighted to make learning easier for students.

Grammar Structure Explained

plain form + kamoshiremasen

This grammar can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns. The sentence before kamoshiremasen must be in plain form.

Meaning in English

Kamoshiremasen means "maybe", "might", or "there is a possibility that something happens". It shows uncertainty.

When to Use This Grammar

You use kamoshiremasen in the following situations. When you are not sure about the result. When you want to express a weak opinion. When you want to guess or predict something. When you want to speak politely and carefully.

Examples

1. ashita ame ga furu kamoshiremasen。 it might rain tomorrow.

2. kare wa mou kaetta kamoshiremasen。 he might have already gone home.

3. kono shiken wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen。 this exam might be difficult.

4. sensei wa ima isogashii kamoshiremasen。 the teacher might be busy now.

5. densha ga okureta kamoshiremasen。 the train might be late.

Important Grammar Notes

Kamoshiremasen expresses low certainty. It is weaker than deshou or darou. It is polite and commonly used in daily conversation and exams.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Using masu form before kamoshiremasen. Using this grammar when you are completely sure. Confusing kamoshiremasen with strong expressions of certainty.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, kamoshiremasen often appears in listening questions where speakers express uncertainty or guess situations. It also appears in reading passages such as emails, short opinions, and casual conversations. Learners must understand that this grammar shows possibility, not fact.

Short Practice

Make sentences using kamoshiremasen. Example: iku → iku kamoshiremasen

Practice words. iku kuru taberu isogashii

Summary

Kamoshiremasen is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to express possibility and uncertainty. It shows that something may happen, but the speaker is not sure. This grammar appears frequently in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections. Mastering kamoshiremasen will help you express opinions more naturally and politely in Japanese.

JLPT N4 Grammar kamoshiremasen Explained | Expressing Possibility in Japanese