SIMPLE FORM + KAMOSHIRENAI – probably verb
In Japanese, to say that something is very likely to happen in the future or to say that something has probably already happened, we use the word ~ kamoshirenai. Both Japanese nouns and Japanese verbs can be used in simple form (ie Base III), to which we can attach one of three variable endings that vary in politeness.
When used after nouns, or verbs in simple form, KAMOSHIREMASEN means: maybe a noun, maybe a verb, it could have been a noun, there could be a verb, or probably a noun, or probably a verb, etc. Although by definition, KAMO, itself, is the word for duck, the origin or roots of the word KAMOSHIREMASEN come mainly from the verb to know, or SHIRU. In this case, SHIRENAI means incapable of knowing. KA and MO pose even more uncertainty when put together because KA is the question mark (?) Particle, AND MO is the particle as well.
KAMO without SHIRENAI or SHIREMASEN is less polite but still understood. The use of KAMO by itself is allowed when talking with close friends or acquaintances. However, since saying only KAMO is less polite, beginners should avoid saying it. It is better to always use the most polite form KAMOSHIREMASEN, but it is okay to say KAMOSHIRENAI when you are in the company of close friends, etc.
If you were to listen to 10 minutes of any random Japanese conversation, you would most likely or probably (pun intended) hear the word KAMOSHIRENAI within that time. KAMOSHIRENAI is always used in Japanese conversations. Base III verbs are equivalent to what is known as the simple form of the verb, sometimes designated in JPPGG © Ghetto Grammar as PF
Verb (Base III) + KAMOSHIRENAI – more common, but less polite
Verb (Base III) + KAMOSHIREMASEN – more educated
Verb (Base III) + KAMO – less polite and fun to hear
1. KAMOSHIREMASEN TURETTE
Could have been stolen
2. SOTSUGYO ^ SHISO?
SURU KAMOSHIRENAI
Are you going to graduate?
C’est possible! (Maybe!)
3. SON WA KAMO KAMO
It’s probably a duck. -OR-
Most likely it is a duck. -OR-
It’s probably a duck, etc.
4. OISHII KAMO NE!
It probably tastes pretty good! (It is not like this?)
(Tasty duck, hunh ~)
As always, Ganbatte Ne! Do your best!
Makurasuki Sensei.
