HSK 3
情态副词：大概、恐怕
Adverbs expressing possibility and conjecture: 大概, 恐怕
Explanation
大概 and 恐怕 are both used to talk about the possibility or conjecture that something may happen, like 'perhaps' or 'probably' in English. 恐怕 usually carries more of a worried or doubtful nuance, while 大概 is a more general conjecture. The common structure is to place 恐怕 or 大概 before a verb or adjective. For example: '他出国恐怕已经有三年多了吧' (He has probably been abroad for over three years now) uses 恐怕 to express a slightly worried estimate.
Examples
Learn “情态副词：大概、恐怕” effectively
The grammar point “情态副词：大概、恐怕” (Adverbs expressing possibility and conjecture: 大概, 恐怕) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.