شاید
šâyad/ˈʃaː.jad/
The English word 'maybe' is translated into Dari as شاید (šâyad).
شاید is an adverb used to indicate a lack of certainty, functioning similarly to 'maybe' or 'perhaps' in English.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Dari, شاید often functions as a particle that precedes the verb to express possibility. When expressing a possibility in the present or future, شاید is frequently paired with the verb بودن (to be) in its subjunctive form, such as باشد.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as šâyad (/ˈʃaː.jad/). It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Dari, saying شاید can sometimes be a polite way to decline a request without saying 'no' directly, as direct refusal is often avoided in social etiquette.
- The word شاید actually contains a hidden meaning of 'ruling' or 'power'. Its ancient roots trace back to a word meaning 'he rules' or 'he has power over'.
- Depending on the tone and context, شاید can be used sarcastically to imply that something is actually impossible.
Examples in context
- شاید آخرین سگ خرگوش را بگیرد.Maybe the last dog is catching the hare.This sentence shows how to use شاید to express a possibility regarding an action.Tatoeba #3839815 by kuarash, translation #3838288 by muriloricci
- شاید برای او هم دقیقا همین طور است.Maybe it will be exactly the same for him.This sentence demonstrates using شاید to express a possibility regarding a state of being.Tatoeba #3840504 by kuarash, translation #1374 by human600
- شاید این دنیا جهنم یک سیارهٔ دیگر است.Maybe this world is another planet's Hell.This sentence shows شاید used to express a possibility about a situation.Tatoeba #12155728 by cojiluc, translation #411046 by Scott
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryum and Ali are discussing whether to go to a party tonight.
- مریم Maryamعلی، آیا امشب به مهمانی می‌روی؟Ali, āyā imshab ba mahmāni merawi?Ali, are you going to the party tonight?
- علی Aliشاید، اگر وقت داشته باشم.shāyad, agar waqt dāshta bāsham.Maybe, if I have time.
- مریم Maryamشاید او هم بیاید.shāyad u ham biyāyad.Maybe he will come too.
- علی Aliبله، شاید.ba-le, shāyad.Yes, maybe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries شاید, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries شاید, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
