Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| talvez | /tawˈve(j)s/ (Brazil) /tawˈve(j)ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
| porventura | /poʁ.vẽˈtu.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /poɾ.vẽˈtu.ɾɐ/ (São Paulo) |
| quiçá | /kiˈsa/ (Brazil) /kiˈsa/ (Portugal) |
| se calhar | /sɨ kɐˈʎaɾ/ (Portugal) /sɨ kɐˈʎa.ɾi/ (Portugal, Southern) |
| quem sabe | /ˈkẽj̃ ˈsa.bi/ (Brazil) /ˈkɐ̃j̃ ˈsa.bɨ/ (Portugal) |
| possivelmente | /poˌsi.vewˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /puˌsi.vɛlˈmẽ.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
These terms are used to indicate a lack of certainty. When using talvez or possivelmente, you can position the word either before or after the verb in a sentence.
Which one should you use?
While talvez is the standard term, quem sabe is used more idiomatically to suggest a possibility that is unknown or a bit more speculative than talvez, often translating to 'who knows?' Possivelmente serves as a more formal alternative to talvez.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or literary contexts, you can use possivelmente, porventura (which can mean 'perhaps' or 'peradventure') or the poetic quiçá. In informal speech, you can use the expression quem sabe or the phrase pode ser, which translates to 'could be'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Se calhar is a common way to say 'maybe' in Portugal, whereas it is rarely used in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using talvez to express doubt, the following verb is frequently used in the subjunctive mood, such as using venha instead of vem.
How do you pronounce it?
/tawˈve(j)s/
Did you know?
- The word quiçá has its origins in the Vulgar Latin phrase qui sapit, which literally means 'who knows'.
Examples in context
- Talvez eu traga Tom.Maybe I'll bring Tom.This sentence shows how to use talvez to express a future possibility.Tatoeba #5138921 by alexmarcelo, translation #2262240 by CK
- Se calhar tem razão.Maybe you were right.This sentence demonstrates the use of se calhar in a sentence.Tatoeba #8092450 by iT4LL, translation #2647116 by CK
- Talvez eu te veja lá.Maybe I'll see you there.This sentence illustrates another way to use talvez regarding a future meeting.Tatoeba #7360566 by Ricardo14, translation #3096112 by CK
- Talvez eu possa comparecer à reunião amanhã.Maybe I can attend the meeting tomorrow.
- Talvez esteja disponível na próxima semana.Maybe it will be available next week.
- Possivelmente irei viajar para o Brasil em breve.Maybe I will travel to Brazil soon.
- Pode ser que eu vá à festa hoje à noite.Maybe I'll go to the party tonight.
- Quem sabe eu encontre uma solução para o problema.Maybe I'll find a solution to the problem.
- Talvez eu compre um novo celular no próximo mês.Maybe I'll buy a new phone next month.
- Pode ser que chova amanhã.Maybe it will rain tomorrow.
- 381 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are deciding whether to go to a party.
- FelipeVocê quer ir à festa hoje?Do you want to go to the party today?
- MarianaTalvez eu vá mais tarde.Maybe I will go later.
- FelipeVocê está muito ocupada?Are you very busy?
- MarianaTalvez eu precise terminar o trabalho primeiro.Maybe I need to finish the work first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries talvez, porventura, quiçá, se calhar, quem sabe, possivelmente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calhar, porventura, quiçá, se, talvez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
