يمكن

You can use يمكن at the start of a sentence. For example, يمكن يوصل بكرة means 'Maybe he arrives tomorrow.' You can also use it as a one-word answer. If someone asks if you are coming to the party, a simple يمكن works perfectly. It functions as both an adverb and a verb depending on the context. Don't overthink the grammar yet. Just drop it in where you'd say 'perhaps' in English.

Use it when you are making plans but haven't committed. It is great for speculating about the weather or someone's mood. At a restaurant, use it to wonder if a dish is spicy. In a meeting, use it to suggest a possibility politely. It is the perfect 'soft' answer. It saves you from making promises you might not keep. Texting a friend? يمكن is the perfect non-committal reply.

Avoid يمكن when you need to show absolute certainty. If your boss asks if the report is done, 'maybe' is a bad look. Don't use it in legal or high-stakes contracts. It can sometimes sound a bit flakey if used too often. If someone asks for your hand in marriage, يمكن might get you a very confused look! Use it for possibilities, not for facts you should definitely know.

Arabic culture often values leaving things to a higher power. You will often hear يمكن paired with إن شاء الله (God willing). It reflects a humble approach to the future. People prefer not to be too definitive about things they can't control. It is a linguistic way of staying flexible. In some dialects, it is the standard way to start a 'what if' conversation. It is a word that bridges the gap between 'yes' and 'no.'

The most common variation is ممكن (mumkin). While يمكن is more like 'maybe,' ممكن often means 'is it possible?' or 'may I?' In the Levant, you might hear بجوز (bijooz) for 'perhaps.' In formal Arabic, ربما (rubbama) is the high-brow version. However, يمكن remains the king of the street. It is understood from Morocco to Iraq without any issues.