tal vez
neutral
The Spanish for "maybe" is tal vez or quizás. In Mexican speech a lo mejor is also very common and sounds natural and relaxed.
Meaning: possibly (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tal vez | neutral |
| quizás | neutral |
| a lo mejor | Mexico, casual |
Tal vez vaya mañana and A lo mejor voy mañana both mean "maybe I will go tomorrow". Quizás is used equally and appears often in writing.
How does it change in a sentence?
After tal vez and quizás the verb is usually in the subjunctive: Tal vez llueva. After a lo mejor you use the indicative: A lo mejor llueve.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners often use the subjunctive after a lo mejor, but it takes the indicative.
Did you know?
- Spanish has several words for "maybe", and the grammar after each one changes the verb ending you need.
Examples in context
- Tal vez llegue tarde.Maybe I will arrive late.
- A lo mejor vamos al cine.Maybe we will go to the movies.
- Quizás tengas razón.Maybe you are right.
Example conversation
Héctor invites his coworker Sandra to a party in Mexico City.
- Héctor¿Vas a ir a la fiesta el sábado?Are you going to the party on Saturday?
- SandraA lo mejor, depende del trabajo.Maybe, it depends on work.
- HéctorAvísame si puedes.Let me know if you can.
