Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| peut-être | /pø.t‿ɛtʁ/ /p.t‿ɛtʁ/ (colloquial) |
|
| peut-être que | ||
| il se peut que | with subjunctive |
The word peut-être is a common and versatile way to express a lack of certainty. It can be used interchangeably with possiblement, which means 'possibly'. If you want to add emphasis in an informal context, you can use the phrase peut-être bien. When you are unsure about a future outcome and want to say 'we will see', you can use on verra.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb peut-être is a contraction of peut (can/may) and être (to be), literally meaning 'can be'.
Which one should you use?
The form peut-être is used as a general adverb. The form peut-être que is used specifically when the word introduces a full clause at the beginning of a sentence. The form il se peut que translates to 'it is possible that'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using peut-être que to introduce a clause at the start of a sentence, you should include que before the subject. If you use the phrase il se peut que, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/pø.t‿ɛtʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not forget the hyphen in peut-être. Without the hyphen, peut être functions as a verb phrase meaning 'can be' rather than the adverb 'maybe'.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says peut-être with a rising intonation at the end, it can function as a question asking 'Is that so?', rather than a statement of doubt.
- The French peut-être is a linguistic sibling to the English 'maybe' and the Catalan potser, as both were formed by combining a word for 'can' and a word for 'be'.
Examples in context
- Il est peut-être mort.Maybe he's dead.This example shows the use of peut-être to express uncertainty about someone's state.Tatoeba #8008172 by Aiji, translation #1171028 by CK
- Je bois peut-être trop.Maybe I drink too much.This example demonstrates how peut-être can be used within a sentence to express doubt.Tatoeba #5682537 by Yemana, translation #5432689 by CK
- Il est peut-être occupé.Maybe he's busy.This example shows how peut-être is used to suggest a possibility regarding someone's activity.Tatoeba #11884993 by lbdx, translation #5906359 by CH
- Peut-être que je viendrai à la réunion.Maybe I will come to the meeting.
- Je vais peut-être bien venir à la fête ce soir.I might just come to the party tonight.
- On verra si j'ai le temps demain.We'll see if I have time tomorrow.
- 471 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing plans for the weekend.
- GabrielTu veux venir avec nous ?Do you want to come with us?
- ChloéPeut-être, je dois d'abord travailler.Maybe, I have to work first.
- GabrielTu seras peut-être libre plus tard.You will maybe be free later.
- ChloéOui, je t'appellerai.Yes, I will call you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries peut-être, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries il, peut, peut-être, que, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
