What it means
でしょう expresses a guess or expectation, meaning “probably,” “it is likely that,” or “I think.” It follows a plain-form clause and is common at the end of polite statements. It can also soften a question or seek agreement, similar to “right?” or “isn’t it?” The familiar counterpart is だろう.
Usage note
でしょう is generally more polite or less direct than だろう. With a noun or a な-adjective, use the word directly before でしょう without だ, as in 駅でしょう and 元気でしょう.
How to use it
あれは駅でしょう。
That is probably a station.
田中さんは元気でしょう。
Mr. or Ms. Tanaka is probably well.
この料理は辛いでしょう。
This dish is probably spicy.
雨が降るでしょう。
It will probably rain.
あれは駅だろう。
That is probably a station.
田中さんは元気だろう。
Mr. or Ms. Tanaka is probably well.
この料理は辛いだろう。
This dish is probably spicy.
雨が降るだろう。
It will probably rain.
Example sentences
明日は雨が降るでしょう。
It will probably rain tomorrow.
来週は学校が休みでしょう。
School will probably be closed next week.
この薬を飲めば、すぐ元気になるでしょう。
If you take this medicine, you will probably feel better soon.
あの店は日曜日も開いているでしょう。
That shop will probably be open on Sundays too.