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может быть. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
может быть, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
может быть in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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может быть, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Russian
Etymology
Literally, “it may be”.
Pronunciation
Adverb
мо́жет быть • (móžet bytʹ)
- (hedge) maybe, perhaps, possibly
Я, мо́жет быть, приду́ сего́дня по́здно.- Ja, móžet bytʹ, pridú sevódnja pózdno.
- I may come late tonight.
- (literally, “I, maybe, will come late tonight.”)
Ну, мо́жет быть, и так.- Nu, móžet bytʹ, i tak.
- Well, perhaps so.
Мо́жет быть, а мо́жет и не быть.- Móžet bytʹ, a móžet i ne bytʹ.
- Perhaps it is so, perhaps not. OR It may be or may NOT be (a pun).
Abbreviations