Arabic → English
رُبَّما in English
perhaps
رُبَّمَا
- Pronunciation
- rubba-mā
- Arabizi
rubba ma- Type
- adverb
- Root
- ر ب م
How to use it
ربما is an adverb meaning "perhaps" or "maybe". It is used to express uncertainty or speculation. It can appear at the beginning or before the verb. In spoken Arabic, you may also hear "يمكن" with a similar meaning.
Example sentences
-
رُبَّمَا يَأتي هَذَا الشَّخْصُ غَدًا.
rubba-mā yaʾtī hādhā al-shakhsu ghadan.
Perhaps this person will come tomorrow.
-
رُبَّمَا نَحتاجُ إلى مساعدةٍ إضافية.
rubba-mā naḥtāju ilā musāʿada idāfiyya.
We might need extra help.
-
رُبَّمَا يكونُ الطَّقسُ جميلًا اليوم.
rubba-mā yakūnu al-ṭaqsu jamīlan al-yawm.
Maybe the weather will be nice today.
Questions and answers
Is ربما always placed before the verb?
Usually, but it can also start the sentence for emphasis.
Can I use ربما with a noun?
Rarely; it mainly modifies verbs or whole clauses.
Related words and expressions
Updated