Comparative Analysis of Adverbs Tabun and Moshikashitara in Japanese

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the differences between Japanese adverbs tabun and moshikashitara. Both adverbs have similar lexical meanings as ‘probably’, but contextually they were different. The data were collected from multiple Japanese news articles posted on asahi.com by observation method and note-taking techniques. Then analyzed using distribution method with expansion techniques. To analyze the meanings of both adverbs, this research used contextual meaning theory by Pateda (2001). The results show that the usage of adverbs tabun and moshikashitara serves to add meaning ‘probably’ in Japanese sentences. The data shows tabun usually ends with the expression deshou or darou. Moshikashitara usually ends with the expression kamoshiremasen or kamoshirenai. Contextually, there are differences in meanings between tabun and kamoshirenai. Tabun can be used to indicate a conclusion subjectively by a person. The conclusion is drawn from the speaker’s knowledge about the subject. Tabun also can be used to indicate formality by using the expression deshou at the end of a sentence. Moshikashitara can be used to indicate expectations about something to happen. Moshikashitara also can be used to indicate the speaker’s fear and anxiety.