ίσως
ísos/ˈisos/
The English word 'maybe' is translated into Greek as ίσως (ísos).
ίσως is used to indicate a lack of certainty. In Greek, you can place ίσως at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to express this uncertainty.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
Which one should you use?
While ίσως is the standard way to say maybe, you may also encounter Μπορεί as a common way to express the same idea. For a more formal tone, Πιθανότατα can be used, which translates more specifically to 'most likely'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, ίσως is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form based on gender, number or case.
Did you know?
- The word ίσως is actually a mathematical comparison in disguise. It stems from the Ancient Greek word for 'equal' or 'the same', originally suggesting that two possibilities were of equal weight.
- The word ίσος is the root for many English scientific terms, such as 'isotope' and 'isothermal', meaning 'equal'.
- When using ίσως in a sentence, Greeks often change the following verb into the subjunctive mood. This grammatical shift signals that the action is a possibility rather than a fact.
Examples in context
- Θα είχατε ίσως λίγο χρόνο για μένα;Would you maybe have some time for me?This example shows how to use ίσως when politely asking for someone's time.Tatoeba #2452351 by mululatv, translation #9245756 by Nylez
- Ίσως, ο Τομ απλώς προσπαθούσε να σε βοηθήσει.Maybe Tom was just trying to help you.This example demonstrates using ίσως at the beginning of a sentence to suggest a possibility.Tatoeba #5433290 by Zeus, translation #4054949 by CK
- Χμ, ίσως!Hm, maybe!This example shows a short, conversational use of ίσως.Tatoeba #3781212 by ggia, translation #9806072 by Nylez
- Ίσως πρέπει να συναντηθούμε την Πέμπτη.Maybe we should meet on Thursday.
- Ίσως προτιμήσω να απαντήσω αργότερα.Maybe I'll prefer to answer later.
- Πιθανότατα θα φτάσουμε στο γραφείο γύρω στις 10.We will probably arrive at the office around 10.
- Μπορεί να έχω λίγο καθυστέρηση.I might be a little late.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni and Giorgos are deciding what to do for dinner.
- Ελένη EleniΘέλεις να φάμε πίτσα απόψε;Thelis na fame pizza apopse?Do you want to eat pizza tonight?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΊσως, δεν ξέρω αν πεινάω ακόμα.Isos, den ksero an pinao akoma.Maybe, I don't know if I'm hungry yet.
- Ελένη EleniΜπορούμε να παραγγείλουμε κάτι άλλο.Boroume na parangeiloume kati allo.We can order something else.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, αυτό είναι καλύτερο.Nai, afto einai kalytero.Yes, that is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries ίσως, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ίσως, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
