probable
likely
The Spanish word 'probable' is used to express the possibility or likelihood of an occurrence. Like 'likely' in English, it can be used both in spoken and written Spanish to express probability, and it aligns towards the speaker's conception of the likelihood of future events.
Example sentences using: probable
Es poco probable que lo vea.
It's unlikely that I'll see it.
Using 'poco probable' the speaker indicates a low probability, expressing that it is unlikely they will 'see it'.
¿Crees que es probable que nos visiten?
Do you believe it's probable that they will visit us?
This is a question asking whether one believes 'they will visit us' is probable.
Es probable que llueva mañana.
It is probable that it will rain tomorrow.
This sentence uses the Spanish term for 'probable' (probable) to express that something (like rain) is likely to occur in the future ('tomorrow').
No es probable que venga.
He probably will not come.
This sentence negates the probability (with 'No es') of something happening in the future, in this case, someone ('he') coming.
Es muy probable que gane el sorteo.
It's very probable that I'll win the lottery.
This sentence uses the phrase 'muy probable' to express a high level of probability, indicating a strong belief the speaker will 'win the lottery'.
Para él, es probable que exista vida en otros planetas.
For him, it's probable that there is life on other planets.
This sentence expresses probability from another person's perspective ('For him'), implying they believe life on other planets is probable.
Sería probable que me olvidara sin un recordatorio.
Without a reminder, I would likely forget.
This sentence discusses a conditional probability, implying that without a 'reminder', it would be 'probable' that the speaker 'would forget' something.
Es probable que tengas razón.
You are probably right.
In this case, 'Es probable' is expressing that the speaker thinks the other person ('You') is likely correct.
Es probable que no vaya a la fiesta.
I will probably not go to the party.
Here, 'es probable' is followed by a negative verb ('no vaya') to indicate the low likelihood of the speaker attending 'the party'.
Es menos probable que ella lea ese libro.
It's less probable that she will read that book.
This sentence uses 'es menos probable' to express a reduced likelihood of something happening, in this case, 'she will read that book'.