kanske
/²kanːˌɧɛ/
The English word 'maybe' can be translated into Swedish using several forms, most commonly kanske. Wiktionary also lists möjligen and måhända.
Meaning: indicating a lack of certainty (adv)
Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| kanske | /²kanːˌɧɛ/ |
| möjligen | |
| måhända | |
| kanhända |
These words are used to indicate a lack of certainty. kanske is the most common and versatile way to say 'maybe' in Swedish.
Which one should you use?
While kanske is the most common and neutral way to say 'maybe' in everyday Swedish, möjligen is more formal and often translates more accurately to 'possibly'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
möjligen and eventuellt are formal alternatives. måhända is a formal or literary term that is rarely used in casual spoken conversation. kanhända is also a form of the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Swedish, the adverb kanske is typically placed before the verb in a main clause, whereas in English 'maybe' can often start a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/²kanːˌɧɛ/
Did you know?
- In a social context, a Swede might use kanske as a polite way to say 'no' without being confrontational.
- The word kanske is actually a collapsed phrase meaning 'can happen', combining kan for 'can' and ske for 'happen'.
- The word eventuellt is often used in formal Swedish to mean 'if necessary', which is a more specific meaning than the English 'maybe'.
Examples in context
- Tom kanske är död.Maybe Tom is dead.This sentence illustrates the use of kanske to express uncertainty about a state of being.Tatoeba #12100304 by johanrhg, translation #3368852 by CK
- Vi kanske är släkt.Maybe we're related.This sentence shows how to use kanske to suggest a possibility regarding a relationship.Tatoeba #4157240 by richke, translation #3821218 by CK
- De är kanske upptagna.Maybe they're busy.This sentence demonstrates the placement of kanske when expressing uncertainty about someone's availability.Tatoeba #3742787 by herrsilen, translation #2648067 by CK
- Tja, kanske kommer jag på festen ikväll.Hey, maybe I'll come to the party tonight.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Oscar and Emma are planning a walk in the park.
- OscarSka vi gå till parken nu?Shall we go to the park now?
- EmmaKanske, men det ser ut att regna.Maybe, but it looks like it's going to rain.
- OscarVi kan ta med ett paraply.We can take an umbrella.
- EmmaJa, då går vi kanske om tio minuter.Yes, then maybe we'll go in ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries kanske, möjligen, måhända, kanhända, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kanhända, kanske, måhända, möjligen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
