VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
adverb

forse

maybe · perhaps

Indica qualcosa che non è sicuro, ma possibile. Esprime incertezza o dubbio.

Word: forse

Meaning in English:
The Italian word "forse" means "perhaps", "maybe", or "possibly" in English. It is an adverb used to express uncertainty, doubt, or possibility. It suggests that something might be true or could happen, but it is not guaranteed.

Explanation:

  • Usage:
    "Forse" is used to express a degree of uncertainty about a statement or situation. For example:

    • Forse verrò alla festa.
      (Maybe I will come to the party.)
    • Forse ha dimenticato il compito.
      (Perhaps he/she forgot the homework.)

  • Parts:
    "Forse" is a single, indivisible adverb; it does not come from multiple parts or roots that are separated in common usage.

Synonyms in Italian:

  • magari (although sometimes with more emphasis on a wish or hope)
  • probabilmente (means "probably," slightly stronger certainty)
  • eventualmente (means "possibly," more conditional)
  • può darsi (literally "it can be"; used colloquially as "maybe")

Antonyms in Italian:

Since "forse" expresses uncertainty, antonyms would be words expressing certainty or definiteness, such as:

  • certamente (certainly)
  • sicuramente (surely)
  • di sicuro (for sure)
  • assolutamente (absolutely)

Summary:

Italian WordTypeMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
forseadverbperhaps, maybe, possiblymagari, probabilmente, eventualmente, può darsicertamente, sicuramente, di sicuro, assolutamente

"Forse" is a common and useful word when expressing doubt, possibility, or uncertainty in Italian conversation and writing.

Make “forse” part of your vocabulary.

Build your Italian vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Forse domani andiamo al mercato.adverb

Maybe tomorrow we are going to the market.

I ragazzi sono forse arrivati in treno?adverb

Have the boys perhaps arrived by train?

Forse il gatto dorme sul divano.adverb

Perhaps the cat is sleeping on the sofa.

Forse ho perso le chiavi ieri?adverb

Perhaps I lost the keys yesterday?

Keep exploring Italian

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play