Peut-etre (en. Maybe)

/pø.t.ɛ.tʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adverb

Expresses uncertainty or probability.

Maybe he will come to the party.

Peut-être qu'il viendra à la fête.

Used to consider alternatives.

Maybe we should leave earlier.

Peut-être que nous devrions partir plus tôt.

Used to suggest a vague response.

I don’t know, that might be a good idea.

Je ne sais pas, cela peut-être une bonne idée.

From Old French 'peut' (verb to be able) and 'être' (verb to be).

Maybe yes, maybe no

Indicates total uncertainty.

Peut-être que oui, peut-être que non

Maybe tomorrow

Implication that an action might happen the next day.

Peut-être demain

Maybe one day

Suggests that an event might occur in the future.

Peut-être un jour

can

Verb indicating a capability or possibility.

peut

to be

Verb indicating existence or state.

être

The idea that something is uncertain but conceivable.

Maybe it will work.

Peut-être que ça va marcher.

Used to put a situation into perspective.

It's not certain, maybe you're wrong.

C'est pas sûr, peut-être que tu as tort.