HSK 5
或许
huòxǔ
maybe
Structure
Subject + 或许 + Verb / 或许 + Subject + Verb
How it works
或许 is a formal adverb used to express possibility or uncertainty, similar to 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. It is often used in literary or written contexts to suggest a tentative opinion or to express hope regarding a potential outcome.
Examples
或许这次会有变化。
Huòxǔ zhè cì huì yǒu biànhuà.
Maybe there will be changes this time.
他没来上班，或许是生病了。
Tā méi lái shàngbān, huòxǔ shì shēngbìng le.
He didn't come to work; perhaps he is sick.
换一个角度看，或许你会发现新的机会。
Huàn yīgè jiǎodù kàn, huòxǔ nǐ huì fāxiàn xīn de jīhuì.
Looking at it from another angle, maybe you will find new opportunities.
Common mistakes
Don't confuse 或许 (huòxǔ) with 或者 (huòzhě); although both contain 'huò', 或者 is used for 'or' in statements, whereas 或许 indicates possibility.
Tip
In spoken Chinese, '也许' (yěxǔ) or '可能' (kěnéng) are more common, while '或许' carries a more formal or poetic tone.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 或许 in real Chinese
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