Published January 4, 2024 • Updated September 10, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Peut-être meaning
Peut-être means “maybe” or “perhaps.” It is a very common French adverb used when something is possible but not certain. It can also be used on its own as an interjection, just like “maybe” in English. For example: Je vais peut-être sortir ce soir (Maybe I’m going to go out tonight).
Peut-être pronunciation
The IPA pronunciation of peut-être is /pø.tɛtʁ/, which sounds approximately like “puh-tetruh.”
Peut-être example sentences
Est-ce que tu vas apprendre tous les mots ? — Peut-être.
Are you going to learn the words? – Maybe.
Marie arrivera peut-être demain.
Marie may arrive tomorrow.
Je vais peut-être prolonger mes vacances.
I might extend my vacation.
Je ne peux pas rester aujourd’hui, mais peut-être une autre fois.
I can’t stay today – maybe another time.
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- probablement — probably
- sans doute — probably, no doubt
- certainement — certainly
- possiblement — possibly
- il se peut que — it may be that
- peut-être que — maybe, perhaps that
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