Meaning

"You never know" means something unexpected could happen, so it's worth trying or preparing. The "you" doesn't mean the listener; it means anyone, all of us. Nobody can see the future, so a small chance is still a chance. People say it to explain a hopeful choice ("I bought a lottery ticket. You never know.") or a careful one ("Take a jacket. You never know.").

It is informal and neutral, and very common. It usually comes at the end of what you're saying, almost like a shrug with words. It can gently push back against someone who is too sure: "He won't call." "You never know." Said that way, it's encouraging, not a correction.

In a conversation

LiamElif
  1. Liam
  2. Elif
  3. Liam
  4. Elif
  5. Liam
  6. Elif

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1Why does Liam say "you never know" about the job?
2In "Take a jacket. You never know," who is "you"?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. Stress "never". Say it lightly, like a shrug at the end of your sentence.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.