Chinese phrases
How to say maybe in Chinese
Maybe in Chinese is 可能 (kě néng). It goes before the verb: 他可能不来, “maybe he won’t come.”
可能
maybe; probably
Ways to say maybe
可能
Everydaymaybe; probably
The most common word, in speech and in writing. It also means “possible”: 不可能, “impossible.”
也许
Everydayperhaps
A little less sure than 可能. Common in speech and in writing.
说不定
Everydayyou never know; could be
When something could well happen, though you can’t be sure: 说不定他已经到了, “he might already be there.”
大概
Everydayprobably; about
For a good guess, often with numbers and times: 大概三点到, “I’ll get there around three.”
或许
Writtenperhaps
In writing and formal speech. In a chat it sounds stiff.
Maybe as an answer
These answer an invitation without a yes.
可能吧
maybe
With no reason after it, it often means “probably not.”
看情况
it depends
A real maybe: you will decide later.
再说吧
we’ll see
Word for word “let’s talk about it later.” Often a polite no.
Common mistakes
Saying 可能我们应该 for “maybe we should”
English uses “maybe” for suggestions. Chinese uses 要不: 要不我们打车吧? “Maybe we should take a taxi?” 可能我们应该 copies English word for word. It sounds like a guess, not a suggestion.
Hearing 再说吧 as a yes
再说吧 sounds open, but after an invitation it usually means no. 可能吧 with nothing after it often means the same.
Weekend plans
明天去爬山，你去吗？
Liangliang: We’re going hiking tomorrow. Are you coming?
可能吧，要看天气。
Leon: Maybe, it depends on the weather.
天气预报说是晴天。
Liangliang: The forecast says it’ll be sunny.
那我大概会去。
Leon: Then I’ll probably come.
