When to use "Maybe" or "Perhaps"?

As a non-native English speaker, this is a very common question when to use these adverbs. We understand the meaning of them: to state a possibility. However, you may have read or listened to them in very different contexts.

For example:

Mike, did you eat your lunch at school? - The mom asks

Maybe - Mike, a 5 years old kid, answers

Maybe is used in informal or familiar conversations.

Perhaps he called off the meeting, we are almost 30 minutes late! - Amanda says to her business partners

Perhaps is used on formal conversations. Amanda is talking to her business partners which she does not know in a familiar context.

Following the same rule, you will find maybe written more on informal texts (such as comics, kids') and perhaps more common in formal writing. Also, perhaps is more commonly listened in British English.

Good luck!