شاید
šâyad/ˈʃaː.jad/
The English word 'maybe' is translated into Persian as شاید (šâyad).
شاید is used as an adverb to indicate a lack of certainty.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
You can place شاید at the beginning of a sentence to express possibility, similar to 'maybe' or 'perhaps' in English. In more formal or complete constructions, شاید is often paired with a form of the verb بودن (to be) to express a possibility, such as in the construction شاید … باشد.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈʃaː.jad/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Iranian culture, saying شاید can sometimes be a polite way to say 'no' without being blunt. Depending on the tone, it may function as a social buffer to avoid direct confrontation.
- The same root that gives us 'maybe' in Persian is also the ancestor of the English word 'worthy' through a very long linguistic journey. It connects 'possibility' to the ancient idea of 'having power' or 'controlling' something.
- In very casual speech, Iranians might replace شاید with ممکنه, which literally means 'it is possible'. While they overlap, ممکنه is often preferred when discussing logical feasibility rather than mere chance.
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 possibility regarding a dog catching a hare.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 uses شاید to suggest a possibility regarding something being the same for someone.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 uses شاید to express a possibility about the nature of the world.Tatoeba #12155728 by cojiluc, translation #411046 by Scott
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mohammad and Maryam are discussing dinner plans.
- محمد Mohammadامشب می‌توانی به ما شام بدهی؟Emshab mitavani be ma sham bedahi?Can you give us dinner tonight?
- مریم Maryamشاید، اما باید اول با همسرم چک کنم.Shayad, ama bayad avval ba hamsaram check konam.Maybe, but I have to check with my husband first.
- محمد Mohammadپس هر وقت فهمیدی به من خبر بده.Pas har vaght fahmidi be man khabar bede.Then let me know as soon as you find out.
- مریم Maryamباشه محمد، حتماً بهت می‌گویم.Bashe Mohammad, hatman behet miguyam.Okay Mohammad, I will definitely tell you.
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.
