may
word
/ˈmeɪ/
MAY
/mˈeɪ/
MAY
Definition
Used to express possibility, permission, or a wish. Also the name of the fifth month of the year.
Usage & Nuances
Often used formally or politely to ask for permission: 'May I...?'. It differs from 'can' which is more about ability. Also can indicate uncertainty (possibility): 'It may rain.'
Spanish: poder - mayo (mes)Portuguese (BR): poder - maio (mês)Portuguese (PT): poder - maio (mês)Chinese (Simplified): 可能 - 五月 (月份)Chinese (Traditional): 可能 - 五月 (月份)Hindi: शकना - मई (महीना)Arabic: قد - مايو (شهر)Bengali: হতে পারে - পারি (অনুমতি) - মে (মাস)Russian: может - можно (разрешение) - май (месяц)Japanese: かもしれない - してもよい - 5月Vietnamese: có thể - được phép - Tháng NămKorean: 할 수 있다 (허가) - 일지도 모른다 - 5월Turkish: -ebilmek (olasılık/izin) - MayısUrdu: سکتا ہے - اجازت (کے لیے) - مئیIndonesian: mungkin - boleh - Mei
Example Sentences
May I use your phone, please?
basic
It may rain later today.
basic
May is the month before June.
basic
She may come to the party if she finishes work early.
natural
You may want to check the schedule again.
natural
May I say something?
natural