だろう
だろう
auxiliary
probably, I wonder, right?
1.
probably, I think, I suppose
Expresses conjecture or supposition about something uncertain.
2.
right?, isn't it?
Seeks confirmation or agreement from the listener (often with rising intonation).
そうだろう？
Right? Isn't that so?
面白かっただろう？
It was interesting, wasn't it?
だろう is the volitional form of the copula だ used to express conjecture.
FORM:
- Plain form + だろう
- Noun/na-adjective + だろう (no だ before)
- i-adjective + だろう
POLITE FORM:
- でしょう is the polite equivalent
- 〜だろう (plain) → 〜でしょう (polite)
USAGE PATTERNS:
- Statement + だろう = conjecture (probably)
- Question word + だろう = wondering (I wonder...)
- Statement + だろう？(rising) = seeking confirmation (right?)
CONTRAST:
- だろう: Conjecture based on reasoning or assumption
- かもしれない: Possibility, "might be"
- はずだ: Expectation based on evidence, "should be"
GENDER NOTE:
- だろう can sound somewhat masculine in casual speech
- でしょう is more neutral and commonly used by all speakers