I guess
Guess
Use `I guess` when you're about 60% sure or when you're agreeing reluctantly.
15秒了解
- Expresses uncertainty or a soft 'yes'.
- Acts like a verbal shrug in casual conversation.
- Use it to avoid sounding too bossy or aggressive.
意思
You use this when you think something is true but you aren't 100% sure. It is also a way to agree with someone when you aren't very excited about it.
关键例句
3 / 6Checking the weather
It's getting cloudy, so I guess it might rain later.
It's getting cloudy, so I guess it might rain later.
Accepting a boring invitation
I guess I can go to the mall with you.
I guess I can go to the mall with you.
Softening a professional opinion
I guess we could try the new software next week.
I guess we could try the new software next week.
文化背景
The phrase reflects a cultural preference in English-speaking countries for 'hedging.' This means avoiding direct confrontation or absolute certainty to remain polite. It gained massive popularity in pop culture as a way to express 'slacker' attitude or cool indifference.
Watch your 'So'
Always use `I guess so` instead of just `I guess` when answering a Yes/No question if you want to sound more natural.
The Sarcasm Trap
If you say `I guess` with a heavy sigh, people will think you are being rude or passive-aggressive. Use a light tone to stay friendly!
15秒了解
- Expresses uncertainty or a soft 'yes'.
- Acts like a verbal shrug in casual conversation.
- Use it to avoid sounding too bossy or aggressive.
What It Means
I guess is your go-to phrase for uncertainty. It shows you have an opinion, but you aren't betting your life on it. It sits right between "I don't know" and "I'm sure." Sometimes, it also signals a reluctant "yes." It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug.
How To Use It
Put it at the start or end of your sentence. If someone asks if it will rain, say I guess so. If you think a movie starts at eight, say I guess it starts at eight. It works as a standalone answer too. Just be careful with your tone. A high pitch sounds like a genuine guess. A low, flat pitch sounds like you are bored or annoyed.
When To Use It
Use it when you are making a logical deduction. For example, if the lights are off, say I guess they aren't home. Use it when someone invites you somewhere you don't really want to go. I guess I can come tells them you're free but not thrilled. It is perfect for texting when you want to seem chill and low-pressure.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a job interview for important facts. If a boss asks if you finished the report, don't say I guess. It makes you sound lazy or confused. Avoid it during a romantic proposal or a serious apology. I guess I'm sorry is a great way to start a fresh argument. It lacks the sincerity needed for big emotional moments.
Cultural Background
Americans love to sound casual. We often avoid sounding too bossy or too certain. I guess helps soften a statement. It makes you appear more flexible and less aggressive. It became a staple of '90s teenage slang, often paired with a heavy sigh. Today, it is a universal filler that keeps conversations moving without high stakes.
Common Variations
I guess so: The standard way to say "probably yes."I guess not: The standard way to say "probably no."I reckon: A more rural or Southern US version.I suppose: A slightly more formal or British-sounding version.I guess?: Saying it with a rising tone to ask for confirmation.
使用说明
Mainly used in informal and neutral speech. Be careful with your intonation to avoid sounding uninterested or rude.
Watch your 'So'
Always use `I guess so` instead of just `I guess` when answering a Yes/No question if you want to sound more natural.
The Sarcasm Trap
If you say `I guess` with a heavy sigh, people will think you are being rude or passive-aggressive. Use a light tone to stay friendly!
The 'I Suppose' Secret
In the UK, people often use `I suppose` where Americans use `I guess`. Both are understood, but `I guess` is much more common in US movies and music.
例句
6It's getting cloudy, so I guess it might rain later.
It's getting cloudy, so I guess it might rain later.
Used here to make a logical prediction based on evidence.
I guess I can go to the mall with you.
I guess I can go to the mall with you.
Shows a bit of reluctance or lack of excitement.
I guess we could try the new software next week.
I guess we could try the new software next week.
Makes a suggestion sound less like a command.
I guess I'll see you at 8 then?
I guess I'll see you at 8 then?
Confirming plans in a low-pressure way.
My plants died again... I guess I'm not a 'plant person'.
My plants died again... I guess I'm not a 'plant person'.
Self-deprecating humor about a failed hobby.
I guess you were right about the directions.
I guess you were right about the directions.
A slightly humble way to admit someone else was correct.
自我测试
Choose the best response to show you are unsure but think the answer is yes.
Is the pizza place still open? ___, let's check the app.
`I guess so` indicates you think it's true but aren't totally sure.
Which phrase fits a reluctant agreement?
Do you want to help me clean the garage? ___, if it needs to be done.
Using `I guess` alone shows you are agreeing but not very happy about the task.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'I guess'
Talking to friends or family.
I guess I'm hungry.
Daily interactions with coworkers.
I guess that works.
Presentations or interviews.
Avoid using 'I guess'.
When to use 'I guess'
Uncertainty
I guess it's over there.
Reluctance
I guess I'll help.
Deduction
I guess he forgot.
Softening
I guess we should go.
常见问题
10 个问题They are very similar, but I guess implies slightly less certainty. I think sounds a bit more grounded in thought, while I guess feels like a quick hunch.
In a casual email to a teammate, it is fine. In a formal email to a client, avoid it as it can make you sound unprofessional or unsure of your work.
Use I guess so to agree tentatively (Is it Friday? I guess so). Use I guess not to disagree tentatively (Is he coming? I guess not).
It can be if your tone is flat. If a friend asks 'Do you like my new hat?' and you say I guess, they will think you hate it.
Adding it to the end, like We're lost, I guess, acts as a 'softener.' It makes the realization feel less stressful.
Sometimes people shorten it to just Guess so in very fast speech, or use I reckon in certain regional dialects.
It is better not to. If someone asks 'Do you love me?', saying I guess is a recipe for disaster.
The 'I' is very short, and the 'guess' is emphasized. It often sounds like one word: 'I-guess'.
Yes! It is a perfect 'filler' phrase that helps you sound more like a native speaker without needing complex grammar.
Actually, in a game, you usually say I'll guess or My guess is.... I guess is more for opinions and feelings.
相关表达
I suppose
A slightly more formal way to express uncertainty.
I imagine
Used when you are assuming something based on a situation.
Maybe
A simple word for uncertainty.
I'm not sure, but...
A clearer way to state you lack full information.
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