Peut-être
/pø.t‿ɛtʁ/
The English phrase "I might" can be translated into French using Peut-être.
Peut-être is used to express a possibility or uncertainty regarding a future action.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, where 'might' is a modal verb that changes the verb structure, 'peut-être' is an adverb that is placed within or before the sentence, leaving the main verb in its standard mood (usually indicative).
How do you pronounce it?
/pø.t‿ɛtʁ/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The phrase peut-être is a direct linguistic mirror of the English word 'maybe', as both are formed by combining the words for 'can' and 'be'.
- When peut-être is used as a noun meaning 'a possibility', it is written with a hyphen and takes an article, such as un peut-être.
- Adding bien to create peut-être bien doesn't just mean 'maybe indeed', but often signals that the speaker has just been convinced of something they previously doubted.
Examples in context
- Je suis peut-être enceinte.I might be pregnant.This sentence is useful for expressing the possibility of a current state using Peut-être.Tatoeba #6383205 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6382856 by OsoHombre
- J'ai peut-être une solution.I might have a solution.This sentence shows how to express having a possible solution using Peut-être.Tatoeba #9009698 by Aiji, translation #2387214 by CK
- Je l'ai peut-être laissé sur la table.I might have left it on the table.This sentence demonstrates how to express a possible past action using Peut-être.Tatoeba #1919724 by Rovo, translation #39603 by CC
- Je pourrais venir vous rendre visite demain si cela vous convient.I might come to visit you tomorrow if it suits you.
- Il se peut que je sois en retard à la réunion demain.I might be late to the meeting tomorrow.
- Je peux peut-être passer te voir cet après-midi.I might come see you this afternoon.
- J'ai peut-être envie de sortir ce soir, mais je ne suis pas sûr.I might feel like going out tonight, but I'm not sure.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- EmmaPeut-être que je viendrai à ta fête.I might come to your party.
- LucasTu peux venir si tu veux.You can come if you want.
- EmmaJe ne suis pas sûre encore.I am not sure yet.
- LucasD'accord, tiens-moi au courant.Okay, keep me posted.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry peut-être.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peut-être, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
