सायद
sayad
The Nepali word for 'maybe' is सायद (sayad).
सायद is an adverb used to indicate a lack of certainty.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word सायद is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to express uncertainty about the entire following clause.
How do you pronounce it?
sayad
Did you know?
- The word सायद is a loanword from Persian via Urdu, reflecting the historical influence of Mughal culture on the Nepali language.
- In social situations, saying सायद can sometimes be a polite way to say 'no' without being direct, which is common in Nepali etiquette to avoid conflict.
- While सायद is the standard word for 'maybe', Nepali speakers often use a slight head tilt or a vague 'hmm' sound to imply uncertainty without ever saying the word.
Examples in context
- सायद तिनीहरू फर्केर आउनेछन्।Maybe they'll come back.This example shows how to use सायद to express uncertainty about someone's return.Tatoeba #11938398 by taro, translation #3096358 by CK
- सायद टमले अरू कसैलाई मन पराउँछ।Maybe Tom likes someone else.This example shows how to use सायद to express uncertainty about someone's feelings.Tatoeba #12215394 by taro, translation #7849984 by Hybrid
- सायद तिमीले मलाई विश्वास गर्दैनौ।Maybe you won't believe me.This example shows how to use सायद to express uncertainty about someone's belief.Tatoeba #12139126 by taro, translation #2276665 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing whether it will rain during their walk.
- अनीता Anitaके आज पानी पर्ला?Ke aaja paani parla?Will it rain today?
- अविनाश Avinashसायद आज पानी पर्छ।Sayad aaja paani parchha.Maybe it will rain today.
- अनीता Anitaहामीले छाता लैजानुपर्छ कि?Hamile chhata laijanu parchha ki?Should we take an umbrella?
- अविनाश Avinashहो, सायद चाहिन्छ।Ho, sayad chahinchha.Yes, maybe we need one.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
