大概 vs 也许 vs 可能: three adverbs for probability
大概 indicates a high probability (often 70-90%) or a rough estimate, 可能 is a neutral expression of possibility (50/50 or less), and 也许 implies a lower, more subjective guess. Use 大概 when you have some evidence, 可能 for objective possibility, and 也许 for hesitant speculation.
大概, 也许, and 可能 are all used to express uncertainty, but they differ in degree of likelihood and usage. 大概 conveys a strong likelihood (often based on reasoning or estimation), 可能 is a neutral statement of possibility (equally likely or not), and 也许 is a lower-uncertainty guess (often subjective). Additionally, 大概 can mean 'roughly' with numbers, and 可能 can be a noun meaning 'possibility'.
When to use each
Use 大概 when you are fairly certain — it indicates a high probability (about 70-90%) or when giving a rough estimate of quantity. It is often based on available evidence or logical deduction.
When used with numbers, 大概 means 'approximately' rather than probability, e.g., 大概一百人 'about 100 people'.
Use 也许 when expressing a lower degree of certainty or a speculative guess — often around 30-50% likelihood. It is more subjective and can imply the speaker is less confident. It is also used to soften suggestions or invitations.
Use 可能 to state a neutral possibility — it does not imply a particular degree of likelihood. It is commonly used in objective statements, and can be modified with adverbs like 很 (very) or 不 (not). Also functions as an adjective or noun.
可能 can be a noun meaning 'possibility', e.g., 这个可能性不大 'this possibility is not big'. As an adverb, it is more formal than 也许.
At a glance
| 大概 | 也许 | 可能 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree of likelihood | High (~70-90%) | Low (~30-50%) | Neutral (0-100%) |
| Basis | Evidence or calculation | Subjective guess | Objective possibility |
| Use with numbers | Yes, meaning 'roughly' | No | No |
| Can be noun? | No | No | Yes (possibility) |
Examples
- 大概他大概已经回家了。Tā dàgài yǐjīng huí jiā le.He has probably already gone home.80% likelihood based on his usual schedule.
- 也许也许明天会下雨。Yěxǔ míngtiān huì xià yǔ.Maybe it will rain tomorrow.Low-confidence prediction.
- 可能他可能不知道这件事。Tā kěnéng bù zhīdào zhè jiàn shì.He may not know about this matter.Neutral possibility; may or may not be true.
- 大概大概有五十个人来了。Dàgài yǒu wǔshí gè rén lái le.About fifty people came.Rough estimate.
- 可能可能他会同意，也可能他不会。Kěnéng tā huì tóngyì, yě kěnéng tā bù huì.Possibly he will agree, and possibly he won't.Even split of possibilities.
Common mistakes
- Using 大概 for a very uncertain situation (use 也许 or 可能).
- Using 也许 for a high-likelihood prediction (use 大概).
- Using 可能 to mean 'roughly' with numbers (use 大概).
- Confusing 可能 (possibility) with 可以 (can/permission).
FAQ
- When do I use 大概 vs 可能 vs 也许?
- Use 大概 for high probability (likely based on evidence) or for rough estimates with numbers. Use 可能 for neutral possibility — it feels objective. Use 也许 for lower, more subjective guesses, or to soften suggestions.
- Can 可能 be used as a noun?
- Yes, 可能 can be a noun meaning 'possibility' (e.g., 有这个可能 'there is this possibility'). Neither 大概 nor 也许 can be nouns.
- Is 也许 more casual than 可能?
- Generally, 也许 is slightly more casual and subjective, while 可能 can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In writing, 可能 is more common for neutral statements.