might
word
/ˈmaɪt/
MITE
/mˈaɪt/
MITE
Definition
Used to express possibility or permission in the past, present, or future; can also mean strength or power.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in polite requests ('might I ask'), and to indicate uncertain possibilities ('it might rain'). As a modal verb, it doesn't change form. Can express weaker possibility than 'may'. Also a noun meaning great power or strength. Learners may confuse it with 'may' which is similar but more formal or certain.
Spanish: podría - podría ser - poder (posibilidad)Portuguese (BR): poderia - talvez - poder (possibilidade)Portuguese (PT): poderia - talvez - poder (possibilidade)Chinese (Simplified): 可能 - 也许 - 力量Chinese (Traditional): 可能 - 也許 - 力量Hindi: शकना - हो सकता है - शक्तिArabic: قد - يمكن - قوةBengali: হতে পারে - অনুমতি (might as permission) - শক্তি (noun)Russian: мог бы - возможно - мощь (noun)Japanese: かもしれない - 力（noun）Vietnamese: có thể - sức mạnh (danh từ)Korean: ~일지도 모른다 - 힘 (명사)Turkish: -ebilir - güç (isim)Urdu: سکتا ہے - طاقت (اسم)Indonesian: mungkin - kekuatan (nomina)
Example Sentences
I might go to the party tonight.
basic
You might need a jacket; it’s cold outside.
basic
I might have left my keys at the office.
natural
You might want to check that again.
natural
She’s got a lot of might in her punches.
natural
He said he might call you later.
basic