אוּלַי
ulái
The English word 'maybe' can be translated into Hebrew as אוּלַי (ulái) or יִתָּכֵן.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| אוּלַי | ulái |
| יִתָּכֵן | yitakhén |
Both words are used to indicate a lack of certainty.
Which one should you use?
אוּלַי is the most common and versatile way to say 'maybe' in everyday spoken Hebrew. In contrast, יִתָּכֵן is a more formal, literary version of 'maybe' and is less common in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
אוּלַי is an adverb and does not change its form based on gender, number or person.
How do you pronounce it?
ulái
Did you know?
- In some slang contexts, אוּלַי is used sarcastically to mean 'definitely not' when the speaker believes the outcome is impossible.
- The root of יִתָּכֵן is כּ.נ.ה, which relates to the idea of something being 'fit' or 'proper'. This links the idea of possibility to the idea of logical suitability.
- Israeli speakers frequently use אוּלַי as a polite way to soften a request or a disagreement, acting as a social lubricant rather than a statement of doubt.
Examples in context
- ייתכן שהמפגש יתעכבMaybe the meeting will be delayed.
- אוּלַי זֶה יִהְיֶה טוֹב.ulay ze yihye tov.Maybe it will be good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
