Everyday Phrases
BeginnerNeutralStandard
Maybe / perhaps
Hoyto
HOY-toh
About this phrase
Literally
perhaps (it) may-be-so
When to use it
Use it to keep an answer open and non-committal, when you are not sure something will happen, or to soften a guess. Works at the start of a sentence or as a one-word reply.
How it feels
Neutral and everyday; fits both casual and polite speech.
Formality
Neutral
Grammar
Word by word
Examples
In a conversation
Rina
Tumi ki kal ashbe?
Will you come tomorrow?
Sami
Hoyto, ekhono thik nei.
Maybe, it's not settled yet.
Common replies
Thik achhe, janio.
Okay, let me know.
Accha, dekha jak
Okay, let's see