peut-être
maybe
The French word 'peut-être' is used similarly to the English word 'maybe.' It is typically used to express uncertainty or indecision. It can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the construct of the sentence. An example of its usage would be: 'Je viendrai peut-être', meaning 'I may come.'
Example sentences using: peut-être
Je ne suis pas sûr, mais peut-être nous nous sommes déjà rencontrés.
I'm not sure, but maybe we've met before.
'Peut-être' is used here to express a doubt about a past event. The speaker isn't sure if they've met the person before.
Peut-être que je vais aller au cinéma ce soir.
Maybe I will go to the cinema tonight.
This sentence expresses uncertainty or possibility about the speaker's plan to go to the cinema tonight. The use of 'peut-être que' at the beginning of the sentence is common when expressing potential.
Peut-être, il a oublié notre rendez-vous.
Perhaps, he forgot our appointment.
In this sentence, 'peut-être' is used to speculate about the reason why the person didn't show up. It represents a hypothesis.
Elle ne vient pas, peut-être elle est malade.
She isn't coming, maybe she is sick.
Here, 'peut-être' is used after a comma to add a possible explanation for the person's absence, which is that she might be sick.
Tu devrais peut-être vérifier tes emails plus souvent.
You should perhaps check your emails more often.
'Peut-être' is placed after the verb 'should', suggesting the advice is mild or tentative.
Peut-être il pleut encore.
Maybe it's still raining.
This sentence uses 'peut-être' to show uncertainty about the current weather conditions.
Peut-être qu'il a raison.
Maybe he is right.
The 'peut-être' here is used to express a possibility that a person might be correct. The speaker is uncertain and leaves room for the possibility.
Nous pourrions peut-être essayer quelque chose de nouveau.
We could perhaps try something new.
By putting 'peut-être' after the verb 'could', the sentence expresses a tentative suggestion about trying something new.
Il va peut-être déménager à Paris.
He may move to Paris.
The use of 'peut-être' indicates the uncertain possibility of a future action, in this case, the action of moving to Paris.
Peut-être c'est trop tard pour présenter des excuses.
Maybe it's too late to apologize.
Here, 'peut-être' is used to suggest that it might be too late for an apology. The speaker is unsure about the timeliness of an apology.