How to Say ‘Maybe’ in French
Peut-être
puh et-ruh
[puh et-ruh]
💬 Usage Tip: "Peut-être" means maybe/perhaps. Nice little word for sounding polite and non-pushy. Pronounce the final "être" clearly.
🇫🇷 In France: French people often soften plans with "peut-être"—it can sound friendly, flexible, and less overly direct.
Phrase Breakdown
Peut
[puh]
can / may
From the verb "pouvoir"; in "peut-être" it contributes to the meaning "maybe."
Il peut venir demain.
He may come tomorrow.
être
[et-ruh]
to be
Infinitive of the verb "être" meaning "to be"; in "peut-être," the full expression means "maybe."
Être à l'heure, c'est important.
To be on time is important.
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