French Phrase
Peut-être
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express uncertainty or possibility in French. It literally translates to 'can be' and is used as an adverb to indicate that something is not certain.
When to use
Use this phrase as a standalone response to a question or to qualify a statement where you are unsure of the outcome. It is suitable for both casual and professional conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Peut-être
Hyphenation
Always include the hyphen when using this as an adverb meaning 'maybe'; without it, 'peut être' simply means 'can be'.
Sentence Placement
If placed at the start of a sentence, it is often followed by 'que' (Peut-être qu'il viendra) to avoid complex inversion.
🗨In Conversation
Tu viens au cinéma avec nous ce soir ?
Are you coming to the cinema with us tonight?
Peut-être, je dois d'abord finir mes devoirs.
Maybe, I have to finish my homework first.
✕Common Mistakes
Peut être il viendra demain.
When used as an adverb meaning 'maybe', a hyphen is mandatory between 'peut' and 'être'.
Peut-être il est là.
When starting a sentence with 'Peut-être', you usually need to follow it with 'que' or use subject-verb inversion.
↔Alternatives
C'est possible
It's possible
Probablement
Probably
Éventuellement
Potentially / Possibly
Cultural Tip
In French culture, 'peut-être' can sometimes be used as a 'polite no' to avoid direct confrontation. If someone answers a request with 'peut-être' without further explanation, they might be subtly declining.