#104 · Adverb · ADV
In Romanian, poate means “maybe; perhaps”. It’s the #104 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Adverb used to express possibility or uncertainty: “maybe,” “perhaps.”
neutralMarks something as possible, uncertain, or only tentative.
Maybe he/she will come later.
Perhaps you're right.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Maybe it's not the right time.
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 100% of everyday use — learn these first.
poate + verb
Used before a verb to express possibility.
Poate plecăm mai devreme.
Maybe we're leaving earlier.
poate că + clause
A slightly fuller and very common way to express uncertainty.
Poate că ai auzit greșit.
Perhaps you heard wrongly.
Poate vine la cină.
Maybe he/she is coming to dinner.
Poate - Expresses uncertainty about a future event.
Poate că ai uitat cheia.
Perhaps you forgot the key.
Poate - Softens a guess or suggestion.
Poate mâine reușim.
Maybe we'll manage tomorrow.
Poate - Shows a tentative possibility.
Common phrases built around poate — worth learning as whole units.
lit. “can that”