十之八九 (shí zhī bā) — most likely; very probably; in all likelihood

Definition

Idiom meaning 'in most cases; very probably' — similar to 多半, but slightly more literary. Used when the speaker is making a strong guess about something based on evidence.

idiom

most likelyvery probablyin all likelihood

Examples

，十之八九。
Tā jīn tiān méi lái shàng bān, shí zhī bā shì shēng bìng le.
He didn't come to work today — most likely he's sick.
，十之八九。
Zhè me wǎn le hái bù huí lái, shí zhī bā yòu jiā bān le.
It's so late and he's still not back — he's probably working overtime again.
，十之八九，。
Kàn zhè tiān qì, shí zhī bā yào xià yǔ, nǐ dài sǎn ba.
Looking at the weather, it's very likely going to rain — take an umbrella.

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