Grammar Point:
说不定 shuōbudìng is an idiom in Chinese that means “perhaps” or “maybe.” It is used to indicate uncertainty or possibility.
Structure
shuōbudìng + V
說不定他們已經到了说不定他们已经到了
Maybe they have arrived.
明天說不定會下雨,你最好想一個備案明天说不定会下雨,你最好想一个备案
It might rain tomorrow, so you’d better have a backup plan.
這件事說不定還會改變这件事说不定还会改变
This matter might still change.
說不定下個億萬富翁就是你说不定下个亿万富翁就是你
You might be the next millionaire.
晚餐別等我,我說不定趕不回來晚餐别等我,我说不定赶不回来
Don’t wait for me for dinner, I might not be able to make it back in time.
按照她的個性,說不定會放我們鴿子按照她的个性,说不定会放我们鸽子
Given her personality, she might stand us up.
FYI
In Chinese culture, the phrase 放鸽子 fàng gēzi is used to describe a situation where someone agrees to meet or attend an event but then doesn’t show up, similar to standing someone up. It comes from the old practice of pigeon racing, where the first pigeon to return home wins. However, some people would cheat by luring away other pigeons. If someone’s pigeon doesn’t return after a race, it’s like they’ve been stood up by their pigeon.
In Northern China
In northern China, people more commonly use “说不准 shuōbuzhǔn” rather than “说不定 shuōbudìng,” but in my opinion, the two words are interchangeable. But some people have different views; they believe that “说不定 shuōbudìng” carries a sense of expectation for it to come true, while “说不准準 shuōbuzhǔn” is neutral.
你再試一次,說不準這次就成功了你再试一次,说不准这次就成功了
You can give it another try; you might succeed this time.
Practice
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✔️ He may know more than you think.
他知道的事說不定比你想的多他知道的事说不定比你想的多
✔️ I’m just asking to see if you might be interested.
我只是問問看,想說說不定你會有興趣我只是问问看,想说说不定你会有兴趣
✔️ Although it’s not certain yet, I might resign next year.
雖然還不確定,但是我明年說不定會辭職虽然还不确定,但是我明年说不定会辞职