The word probably is one of the most commonly used adverbs in English, especially in both spoken and written communication. It expresses likelihood or probability, implying that something is expected to happen or be true, though not with absolute certainty. For Nepali speakers learning English, understanding the meaning and usage of probably is essential. In the Nepali language, probably is often translated as ‘समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤’ (sambhavatah), which conveys a similar sense of uncertainty or possibility. Learning how probably functions in different contexts helps in accurate translation and effective communication.
Understanding the Meaning of ‘Probably’
In English, the word probably is used to indicate that something is more likely than not. It does not mean certainty, but rather a high chance of something occurring. It is an adverb that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, adding the sense of likelihood. For example:
- She willprobablycome to the party.
- It willprobablyrain tomorrow.
These examples show that the speaker believes the events are likely to happen, but they are not completely sure.
Nepali Translation of Probably
The Nepali word for probably is ‘समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤’ (pronounced as sambhavatah). This word is used to express a similar degree of uncertainty. In Nepali sentences, it may appear at the beginning, middle, or end depending on the structure of the sentence. Here are some examples to illustrate the Nepali meaning of probably:
- à¤à¤¹à¤¾à¤ समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤ à¤à¤ à¤à¤¾à¤°à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤²à¤¯ à¤à¤à¤¨à¥à¤¹à¥à¤¨à¥à¤à¥¤ (He will probably come to the office today.)
- हामॠसमà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤ à¤à¥à¤²à¤¿ यातà¥à¤°à¤¾ ठरà¥à¤¨à¥à¤à¥à¤à¥¤ (We will probably travel tomorrow.)
In each case, the word समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤ adds a tone of expectation without full confirmation, aligning closely with the English usage of probably.
Common Usage of ‘Probably’ in English Sentences
Understanding how to use probably in everyday English helps non-native speakers, including Nepali learners, become more fluent. Some common patterns include:
1. Before the Main Verb
This is the most typical usage. For example:
- He willprobablygo to the market.
2. After the Verb To Be
When using the verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are, was, were), probably comes after it:
- They areprobablyat home.
3. As a Response to a Question
It can stand alone as an answer when someone asks something uncertain:
- Are you going to the movie tonight?
- Probably.
Differences Between Probably and Similar Words
Many learners confuse probably with words like possibly, maybe, or likely. Though they are all related to uncertainty, they carry different weights of likelihood:
- Probably– More than 50% chance. (Most likely)
- Possibly– Less than or equal to 50% chance. (It could happen)
- Maybe– Similar to possibly, informal tone.
- Likely– More formal, similar in meaning to probably.
In Nepali, possibly can be translated as ‘शायद’ (shÄyad), which expresses a lower level of certainty than ‘समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤’. So, choosing between ‘शायद’ and ‘समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤’ depends on the context.
Examples of Probably in Daily Conversations
To get comfortable using probably, consider these real-life conversation examples:
Example 1
A: Are you coming to the wedding next week?
B: I’llprobablybe there, but I have to confirm with my boss.
Example 2
A: Do you think the flight will be on time?
B: It’s cloudy now, but it willprobablydepart as scheduled.
Example 3
A: Is she the new teacher?
B: Probably. I haven’t met her yet.
These examples show how ‘probably’ fits into various parts of conversation and reflects a tone of realistic but uncertain expectation.
Why Understanding Probably Matters in Language Learning
For Nepali speakers, mastering the use of probably enhances their ability to express nuanced ideas. This adverb is commonly used in English for making predictions, expressing opinions, or giving advice. Here are a few reasons why understanding its meaning is important:
- It reflects confidence without full certainty.
- It is essential for polite communication when you are not sure.
- It helps learners avoid sounding too definite when they mean to express uncertainty.
Grammar Tips for Using Probably
When using probably in English sentences, it is helpful to remember these grammar rules:
- Place probably before the main verb (except for to be verbs).
- Don’t use double negatives with probably. For example, don’t say won’t probably. Instead, say probably won’t.
- When speaking, emphasize probably slightly if you want to show uncertainty.
Connecting ‘Probably’ and ‘समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤’
The English word probably and its Nepali equivalent समà¥à¤à¤µà¤¤à¤ are both used to indicate a high chance or likelihood of an event or condition. Though not expressing full certainty, they offer a clear way to communicate expectation. For Nepali learners of English, understanding how to use probably properly improves both their written and spoken communication skills. Practice using it in conversations and writing, comparing how it’s used in English and how it translates into Nepali. With consistent use, probably becomes a natural part of your English vocabulary.