Meaning
Expressing uncertainty.
Cultural Background
Greeks often use 'Ίσως' to avoid a direct 'No'. It is considered more polite to leave a possibility open than to shut someone down immediately. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Πιθανόν' or 'Μπορεί' used even more frequently in daily speech, but 'Ίσως' remains the standard for formal and neutral communication. The word reflects the Socratic tradition of questioning. By using 'Ίσως', a speaker acknowledges the limits of their knowledge. Many famous Greek 'laika' songs use 'Ίσως' to express the uncertainty of love and heartbreak.
The 'Polite No'
If you don't want to go somewhere, say 'Ίσως αργότερα' (Maybe later). It's the standard Greek way to decline without being rude.
Don't overthink the 'να'
As a beginner, you can just say 'Ίσως' + verb. You don't need to worry about the complex subjunctive 'να' rules yet.
Meaning
Expressing uncertainty.
The 'Polite No'
If you don't want to go somewhere, say 'Ίσως αργότερα' (Maybe later). It's the standard Greek way to decline without being rude.
Don't overthink the 'να'
As a beginner, you can just say 'Ίσως' + verb. You don't need to worry about the complex subjunctive 'να' rules yet.
One-word wonder
If you are stuck in a conversation and don't know the answer, just shrug and say 'Ίσως'. It works 90% of the time!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the word for 'maybe'.
_______ θα πάω στην Ελλάδα το καλοκαίρι.
'Ίσως' is the only word that fits the context of a possible plan.
Which is the most natural way to say 'Maybe he is at home'?
Select the correct sentence:
'Ίσως' usually starts the sentence in Greek.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Θα βρέξει σήμερα; B: ________, έχει πολλά σύννεφα.
The mention of clouds suggests uncertainty, making 'Ίσως' the best fit.
Match the response to the situation.
You are asked if you want to go for a run, but you are tired.
'Ίσως αργότερα' (Maybe later) is a polite way to delay an activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ίσως vs. Μπορεί
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ θα πάω στην Ελλάδα το καλοκαίρι.
'Ίσως' is the only word that fits the context of a possible plan.
Select the correct sentence:
'Ίσως' usually starts the sentence in Greek.
A: Θα βρέξει σήμερα; B: ________, έχει πολλά σύννεφα.
The mention of clouds suggests uncertainty, making 'Ίσως' the best fit.
You are asked if you want to go for a run, but you are tired.
'Ίσως αργότερα' (Maybe later) is a polite way to delay an activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Ίσως' is slightly more formal and literary, while 'Μπορεί' is very common in spoken, everyday Greek.
It's rare. Usually, it comes at the beginning. You might see it at the end in poetry, but avoid it in conversation.
Simply say 'Ίσως όχι'.
No, it is an adverb and remains the same regardless of who is speaking or what is being discussed.
Yes, it means 'Maybe yes' or 'Possibly so'.
'Ίσως' is 50/50 uncertainty. 'Πιθανόν' implies it is more likely than not (60-70% sure).
Both are correct. 'Ίσως να' is more common with verbs to express a softer, more modal feeling.
Because they share the same root! 'Isos' means equal in both words.
Yes, but be careful not to sound indecisive. Use it to show you are considering options.
Yes, 'Παίζει' (It plays) is the most common slang equivalent.
Related Phrases
Μπορεί
synonymIt can / Maybe
Πιθανόν
similarProbably
Ενδεχομένως
specialized formPotentially / Possibly
Σίγουρα
contrastSurely / Certainly
Μακάρι
builds onI wish / Hopefully
