ひょっとしたら
ひょっとしたら
adverb
perhaps; possibly; maybe
1.
perhaps; possibly; maybe
Used to express a possibility that the speaker considers unlikely but not impossible. Often paired with かもしれない at the end of the sentence.
Expresses a possibility that the speaker acknowledges while suggesting it is somewhat unlikely or uncertain. Typically used at the beginning of a sentence and paired with かもしれない (might be) or かもしれません (polite) at the end.
Related words
- もしかしたら: very similar in meaning and usage; slightly more common in everyday speech
- もしかすると: slightly more formal variant
- ひょっとすると: variant form with the same meaning
- もしかして: used when the speaker has a sudden realization or suspicion
Usage
ひょっとしたら often implies the speaker considers the possibility somewhat surprising or unexpected. It carries a nuance of "it's a long shot, but..." compared to もしかしたら, which is more neutral.