Definition
十之八九 is a fixed expression meaning 'most likely' or 'in all likelihood'. It literally says 'eight or nine out of ten', so it's a way of saying something is highly probable. You can use it as an adverb before the verb or at the start of a clause. Unlike 可能 (kěnéng), which is a neutral possibility, 十之八九 emphasizes a strong, near-certain probability based on evidence or common sense.
f.e.
most likelyvery probablyin all likelihood
Examples
- ，十之八九。Tā jīntiān méi lái shàngbān, shí zhī bā shì shēngbìng le.He didn't come to work today — most likely he's sick.
- ，十之八九。Zhème wǎn le hái bù huílái, shí zhī bā yòu jiābān le.It's so late and he's still not back — he's probably working overtime again.
- ，十之八九，。Kàn zhè tiānqì, shí zhī bā yào xià yǔ, nǐ dài sǎn ba.Looking at the weather, it's very likely going to rain — take an umbrella.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.