也许 yěxǔ perhaps
perhaps; probably; maybe
How to remember 也许: 也 also + 许 allow = perhaps.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Maybe, perhaps' - expresses speculation: 他也许不来了 (tā yěxǔ bù lái le) maybe he won't come.
- Near-synonyms 可能 (kěnéng) and 或许 (huòxǔ): 也许 and 或许 are close; 或许 is slightly more written, 可能 is the most neutral 'possibly'.
- Sits before the verb/subject, softening a statement into a guess.
Example sentences
- 也许下一次吧。 Yěxǔ xià yīcì ba.Maybe next time.
- 也许您有道理。 Yěxǔ nín yǒu dàolǐ.Maybe you're right.
- 我也许周末去你那儿。 Wǒ yěxǔ zhōumò qù nǐ nàr.I might go to your place over the weekend.