Dictionary
English - Japanese

Maybe

ˈmeɪbi
Extremely common
900 - 1000
900 - 1000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

多分 (tabun), ひょっとして (hyotto shite), もしかしたら (moshikashitara), おそらく (osoraku)

Maybe meanings in Japanese

多分 (tabun)

Example:
Maybe I'll go to the party tonight.
今夜のパーティーに行くかもしれません。
Maybe she forgot about the meeting.
彼女は会議を忘れたのかもしれません。
Usage: informalContext: Used when expressing uncertainty or possibility.
Note: This is the most common translation for 'maybe.' It indicates a degree of uncertainty.

ひょっとして (hyotto shite)

Example:
Maybe he is already here.
ひょっとして彼はもうここにいるかもしれません。
Maybe it's a mistake.
ひょっとしてそれは間違いかもしれません。
Usage: informalContext: Used to suggest a possibility that might not be considered initially.
Note: This phrase often implies a sense of surprise or a less likely scenario.

もしかしたら (moshikashitara)

Example:
Maybe they will come tomorrow.
もしかしたら彼らは明日来るかもしれません。
Maybe I should call her.
もしかしたら彼女に電話するべきかもしれません。
Usage: informalContext: Used to express a possibility with a sense of doubt.
Note: This expression often conveys a feeling of uncertainty and is slightly more formal than 'tabun'.

おそらく (osoraku)

Example:
Maybe it will rain tomorrow.
おそらく明日は雨が降るでしょう。
Maybe he is right.
おそらく彼は正しいかもしれません。
Usage: formalContext: Used in more formal discussions or written contexts.
Note: This is more definitive than 'maybe' but still expresses uncertainty.

Maybe's synonyms

potentially

Potentially implies that something has the potential to happen, similar to maybe.
Example: The project is potentially going to be delayed.
Note:

perchance

Perchance is a more poetic or old-fashioned way to express possibility, like maybe.
Example: Perchance we'll meet again someday.
Note:

Maybe expressions, common phrases

Perhaps

Used to suggest a possibility or likelihood, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: Perhaps we can meet for coffee tomorrow.
Note: Slightly more formal than 'maybe'.

Possibly

Indicates something that is likely to happen, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: I will possibly join you later if I finish my work on time.
Note: Conveys a slightly stronger sense of likelihood than 'maybe'.

It's possible

Expresses a chance or likelihood of something happening, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: It's possible that the meeting will be rescheduled.
Note: More formal and specific than a general 'maybe'.

It could be

Suggests a potential option or outcome, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: It could be a good idea to take a different route to avoid traffic.
Note: Provides a specific alternative or possibility.

Conceivably

Indicates a plausible or conceivable situation, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: Conceivably, we could finish the project by the end of the week.
Note: More formal and emphasizes the idea being within the realm of possibility.

In all likelihood

Expresses a high probability or expectation, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: In all likelihood, she will be promoted based on her performance.
Note: Conveys a stronger sense of certainty compared to a general 'maybe'.

Chances are

Implies a probability or likelihood of something happening, similar to 'maybe'.
Example: Chances are we will have to reschedule the meeting due to conflicts.
Note: Suggests a higher likelihood or probability compared to a simple 'maybe'.

Maybe everyday (slang) expressions

Could be

Indicates a possibility, though not a definitive plan.
Example: I could be there around 8.
Note: More casual and less committal than 'maybe.'

Might

Suggests a slight possibility or chance of something happening.
Example: I might come over later.
Note: Less formal than 'maybe,' used in casual conversations.

Could happen

Acknowledges a potential outcome, not fully committing to it.
Example: I guess that could happen.
Note: Implies a level of acceptance or resignation compared to 'maybe.'

Might just

Hints at a leaning towards a particular choice or action.
Example: I might just stay home tonight.
Note: Suggests a stronger possibility or inclination than 'maybe.'

Maybe - Examples

Maybe we can go to the cinema tonight.
I'm not sure if I can come to the party, maybe next time.
Maybe it will rain tomorrow, so don't forget your umbrella.

Maybe grammar

Maybe - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: maybe
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): maybe
Syllables, Separation and Stress
maybe Contains 2 syllables: may • be
Phonetic transcription: ˈmā-bē
may be , ˈmā (The red syllable is stressed)

Maybe - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
maybe: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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