Perhaps a little later Meaning in English
expression
pɝˈhæps/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɪtəɫ/ /ˈɫeɪtɝ
per-HAPS uh LIH-tul LAY-ter
pəhˈæps/ /æɪ/ /lˈɪtəl/ /lˈeɪtɐ
puh-HAPS uh LIT-uhl LAY-tuh
Definition
A polite way to suggest delaying something to a later time, often when you are not ready or want to avoid something now.
Usage & Nuances
Common in spoken, polite conversation. Softer than saying 'no' directly. Often used to delay doing something, whether social or a task. Can sound vague or noncommittal.
Spanish: quizás un poco más tarde - tal vez un poco despuésPortuguese (BR): talvez um pouco mais tardePortuguese (PT): talvez um pouco mais tardeChinese (Simplified): 也许晚一点 - 可能稍后Chinese (Traditional): 也許晚一點 - 可能稍後Hindi: शायद थोड़ी देर बादArabic: ربما بعد قليلBengali: সম্ভবত একটু পরেRussian: может быть чуть попозжеJapanese: もしかしたらもう少し後でVietnamese: có lẽ một lát nữaKorean: 아마 좀 이따가Turkish: belki biraz sonraUrdu: شاید تھوڑی دیر بعدIndonesian: mungkin nanti sedikit lagi
Example Sentences
Can we go now? Perhaps a little later.
basic
Would you like some cake? Perhaps a little later.
basic
Do you want to talk now? Perhaps a little later.
basic
Not right now, perhaps a little later when things are less busy.
natural
Let me finish this first—perhaps a little later we can chat.
natural
She asked if I wanted to join them, but I said, 'Perhaps a little later.'
natural