Definition
不定 (bù dìng) as an adverb means 'maybe' but implies strong unpredictability, often paired with question words (不定什么时候 'at any time'). It is less common than 也许/或许, which are neutral 'maybe'. As an adjective, it means 'uncertain, indefinite' — a sense not covered by 也许/或许/没准儿.
adjective
indefiniteuncertainindeterminate
adverb
perhapsmaybe (used before a verb or clause to express uncertainty)
Easily confused
- 不安bù ānlook-alikeuneasy; restless; anxious; disturbed
- 不宜bù yílook-alikenot suitable; inadvisable; inappropriate
Examples
- 不定，。Tiānqì biànhuà bù dìng, nǐ yào duō chuān yīfu.The weather is unpredictable; you should wear more clothes.
- 不定，。Tā bù dìng shénme shíhou huílái, wǒmen bié děng le.He might come back at any time; let's not wait anymore.
- 不定。Zhège wèntí de dá'àn hái bù dìng.The answer to this question is still uncertain.
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