아마도
amado[a̠ma̠do̞]
The English word "maybe" can be translated into Korean as 아마도 (amado). Wiktionary also lists 아마 (ama) and 어쩌면 (eojjeomyeon).
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 아마도 | amado | [a̠ma̠do̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 아마 | ama | [a̠ma̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어쩌면 | eojjeomyeon | [ʌ̹t͡ɕ͈ʌ̹mjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
아마 and 아마도 are used when you believe something is likely to happen, whereas 어쩌면 is used when the possibility is more uncertain or unexpected.
Which one should you use?
While 아마/아마도 suggests a high degree of probability, 어쩌면 is used when the possibility is more uncertain or unexpected, similar to the English "perhaps".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 아마도 is slightly more formal or emphatic than the shorter form 아마.
How do you pronounce it?
amado
Did you know?
- To be even more indirect and polite, Koreans often avoid these words entirely and instead end a sentence with a rising intonation or a questioning particle to imply 'maybe'.
- Using 어쩌면 can add a poetic or dramatic flair to a sentence, often appearing in song lyrics to express a longing for a slim, miraculous possibility.
- If you use 아마 too frequently in a professional report, it may signal to a Korean reader that you are avoiding taking responsibility for the accuracy of the data.
Examples in context
- 아마 이게 도움이 될거야.Maybe this would help.This sentence shows how to use 아마 to suggest a helpful possibility.Tatoeba #8361773 by Eunhee, translation #4499324 by CK
- 지금 말고, 아마 나중에.Not now, maybe later.This sentence uses 아마 to indicate a possible time in the future.Tatoeba #8533870 by Eunhee, translation #8533341 by sundown
- 아마 톰은 날 기억하지 않아.Maybe Tom doesn't remember me.This sentence uses 아마 to express uncertainty about someone's memory.Tatoeba #8522930 by Eunhee, translation #3822630 by CK
- 아마(도) 그들은 늦을지도 몰라요.Maybe they might be late.
- 어쩌면 그 일은 가능할지도 몰라요.Perhaps that might be possible.
- 어쩌면 그녀는 늦을지도 몰라.Maybe she might be late.
- 아마도 아무도 그것을 알지 못할 거야.Maybe no one will know that.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jieun and Minjun are discussing the weather for tomorrow's picnic.
- 지훈 Ji-hun내일 날씨가 좋을까요?Naeil nalssiga joeulkkayo?Do you think the weather will be nice tomorrow?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아마도 비가 올 것 같아요.Amado biga ol geot gat-ayo.Maybe it will rain.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 확인해 볼게요.Jeongmallyo? Hwaginhae bolgeyo.Really? I will check.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 일기예보를 확인해 보세요.Ne, ilgiyeboreul hwaginhae boseyo.Yes, please check the weather forecast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries 아마도, 아마, 어쩌면, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
