Meaning
Used to express high likelihood.
Cultural Background
Slovenians often use 'verjetno' to avoid appearing arrogant. It's a sign of a 'thoughtful' person who considers all possibilities. In the broader region, including Austria and Hungary, there is a shared linguistic habit of using 'probably' to soften professional feedback. On social media (Instagram/TikTok), young Slovenians often use 'valda' (obviously/probably) as a cooler alternative to 'verjetno'. In rural areas, you might hear 'najbrž' more often than 'verjetno'. It carries a slightly more traditional, earthy feel.
The 80% Rule
Use 'verjetno' when you feel about 80% sure. It's the safest bet for most situations.
Don't over-pronounce the 'J'
The 'j' in 'verjetno' is soft. Don't make it a hard 'dzh' sound.
Meaning
Used to express high likelihood.
The 80% Rule
Use 'verjetno' when you feel about 80% sure. It's the safest bet for most situations.
Don't over-pronounce the 'J'
The 'j' in 'verjetno' is soft. Don't make it a hard 'dzh' sound.
Sentence Starter
Start your sentences with 'Verjetno' to sound more like a native speaker when answering questions.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'verjetno'.
Jutri ______ ne bom prišel v službo, ker sem bolan.
The sentence means 'I probably won't come to work tomorrow because I am sick.'
Which word best fits a 80% certainty?
Ali boš zamudil? ______, ker je na cesti zastoj.
'Verjetno' expresses high probability, which fits the context of a traffic jam.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kje je Marko? B: ______ je v knjižnici.
The speaker is making a guess about Marko's location.
Match the sentence to the probability.
1. Zagotovo pridem. 2. Verjetno pridem. 3. Morda pridem.
Zagotovo is certain, Verjetno is likely, Morda is maybe.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Certainty Scale in Slovenian
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJutri ______ ne bom prišel v službo, ker sem bolan.
The sentence means 'I probably won't come to work tomorrow because I am sick.'
Ali boš zamudil? ______, ker je na cesti zastoj.
'Verjetno' expresses high probability, which fits the context of a traffic jam.
A: Kje je Marko? B: ______ je v knjižnici.
The speaker is making a guess about Marko's location.
1. Zagotovo pridem. 2. Verjetno pridem. 3. Morda pridem.
Zagotovo is certain, Verjetno is likely, Morda is maybe.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes! 'Verjetno je bil tam' (He was probably there).
'Najbrž' is slightly more informal, but they are mostly synonyms.
No, as an adverb it always stays 'verjetno'.
Use 'najverjetneje'.
Yes, very often in weather and political reporting.
Yes, it means 'very probably'.
No, it's considered a very basic, everyday word.
It's rare. Usually, it's at the beginning or before the verb.
It's stronger than 'maybe'. It's more like 'probably'.
Related Phrases
najbrž
synonymprobably
morda
similarmaybe
zagotovo
contrastcertainly
verjetnost
builds onprobability (noun)
po vsej verjetnosti
specialized formin all likelihood
