十中八九(じっちゅうはっく)

じっちゅうはっく
adverb, noun
in all likelihood; nine times out of ten
idiomcognition
1. in all likelihood; almost certainly; nine times out of ten
Literally "eight or nine out of ten." Used when the speaker is nearly, but not completely, sure that something is or will be the case.
十中八九(じっちゅうはっく)間違(まちが)いない。
It's almost certainly right.
彼(かれ)は十中八九(じっちゅうはっく)遅(おく)れて来(く)るだろう。
Nine times out of ten, he'll be late.
この空模様(そらもよう)なら、午後(ごご)は十中八九(じっちゅうはっく)雨(あめ)になると思(おも)う。
Judging by the sky, I think it will almost certainly rain this afternoon.

Also read じゅっちゅうはっく; じっちゅうはっく is the traditional reading. Usually works as an adverb before a guess, often ending in だろう, と思(おも)う or 間違(まちが)いない.

Common patterns

Similar words

  • おそらく: probably — more neutral, less sure
  • 九分九厘(くぶくりん): 99 percent, all but certain — even more sure

Related Words

Compare: おそらく (probably)
general
Added 2026.9.28 9:59 · Revised 2026.9.28 9:59
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