French Phrase
Ça peut être cher.
Meaning
Literally, 'That can be expensive.' The speaker is pointing out that something has the potential to cost a lot, without stating it as a certainty.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to warn someone about a possible high price, discuss budgeting, or react to a price tag that looks steep. It works in casual conversation as well as in more formal contexts like business meetings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çapeutêtrecher.
Ça
Demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that' or 'it', informal version of 'cela'.
peut
Third‑person singular present of the modal verb pouvoir, indicating possibility.
être
Infinitive of the verb 'to be'; after a modal verb it stays in the infinitive.
cher
Adjective meaning 'expensive' or 'costly'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes.
peut être vs peut‑être
In this construction 'peut être' (verb + infinitive) is correct; 'peut‑être' with a hyphen is the adverb meaning 'perhaps'.
🗨In Conversation
Ça peut être cher, mais la qualité est excellente.
That can be expensive, but the quality is excellent.
Je comprends, je vais comparer les prix avant d'acheter.
I understand, I'll compare prices before buying.
✕Common Mistakes
Ça peut‑être cher.
Here you need the verb construction 'peut être' (can be). 'Peut‑être' with a hyphen is the adverb meaning 'perhaps'.
C'est peut être cher.
While 'c'est' is grammatically possible, 'ça' sounds more natural in spoken French for this kind of comment.
Ça peut être cheres.
The adjective must agree with the noun it modifies; if you refer to a feminine noun, use 'chère'.
↔Alternatives
Cela peut coûter cher.
That may cost a lot.
C'est peut‑être cher.
It might be expensive.
Il se peut que ce soit cher.
It may turn out to be expensive.
Cultural Tip
In French, mentioning price directly can be considered a bit blunt. Adding a softener like 'peut‑être' or 'il se peut que' makes the comment sound more polite. Also, 'cher' can refer to monetary cost or to something dear to the heart; context makes the meaning clear.