Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| мо́же | móže | colloquial |
| ма́буть | mábutʹ | |
| мо́же бу́ти | móže búty | |
| можли́во | možlývo | |
| пе́вно | pévno |
All these forms are used to indicate a lack of certainty. Можли́во is a common and neutral way to say 'maybe', while мо́же бу́ти is another standard way to express the same idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase мо́же бу́ти combines the verb мо́же (it may/can) and the infinitive бу́ти (to be), literally meaning 'it may be'. The word можли́во is an adverb derived from the adjective можли́вий (possible).
Which one should you use?
While several words express uncertainty, напевно should not be used for 'maybe' as it literally means 'probably'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The short form мо́же is colloquial and is commonly used as shorthand for мо́же бу́ти in casual, spoken Ukrainian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form можли́во can function as a standalone adverb or as a predicate meaning 'it is possible', such as in the sentence 'Це можливо' (It is possible).
How do you pronounce it?
móže
Did you know?
- The word ма́буть is a deceptive lookalike for the English word 'maybe', but it actually functions as a way to say 'probably' or 'likely' in many contexts, suggesting a higher level of certainty than a simple 'maybe'.
- The word мо́же is derived from the same root as the English 'may' and 'might', as both trace back to the ancient Proto-Indo-European root for 'power' or 'ability'.
- Ukrainian speakers often use мо́же as a polite way to soften a request or a suggestion, making it sound less like a command and more like a gentle hint.
Examples in context
- Можливо, я зможу прийти на ваш захід.Maybe I will be able to come to your event.
- Я прийду завтра, але може бути і не прийду.I will come tomorrow, but maybe I won't.
- Напевно, він затримається.Maybe he will be delayed.
- Я піду з вами, може, якщо погода буде гарна.I will go with you, maybe, if the weather is nice.
- Мо́же, ми підемо в парк?Mozhe, my pidemo v park?Maybe we will go to the park?
- Мо́же, завтра буде сонячно.Mozhe, zavtra bude sonyachno.Maybe it will be sunny tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
