Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tal vez | /ˌtal ˈbeθ/ /ˌtal ˈbes/ |
|
| quizá | /kiˈθa/ /kiˈsa/ |
|
| quizás | /kiˈθas/ /kiˈsas/ |
alternative form |
| talvez | /talˈbeθ/ /talˈbes/ |
alternative form |
| acaso | /aˈkaso/ | |
| capaz que | /kapaθ ke/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kapas ke/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
|
| de pronto | /de ˈpɾonto/ | |
| igual | /iˈɡwal/ |
These terms are used to indicate a lack of certainty. While tal vez is a common and neutral way to say maybe in Spanish, other options like capaz que (it's possible that) or de pronto are also available depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tal vez is composed of tal (such) and vez (time/occurrence), literally meaning 'such a time'.
Which one should you use?
Quizá and its alternative spelling quizás are often used in place of tal vez. Acaso is used differently. It is often found in rhetorical questions or to express a sense of 'by any chance' or 'perchance', whereas tal vez is a more neutral way to express possibility. Capaz que specifically carries the meaning 'it's possible that'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Quizá tends to sound slightly more formal or literary than tal vez in written Spanish. In colloquial speech among friends or acquaintances, you might hear a lo mejor or the phrase tal vez sí, tal vez no (maybe yes, maybe no).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, igual is used colloquially to mean 'maybe' or 'perhaps'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing doubt or uncertainty, quizá or tal vez is frequently followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative. Similarly, capaz que is almost always followed by the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtal ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The word quizá is actually a fossilized phrase. It comes from the Vulgar Latin qui sapit, which literally means 'who knows'.
- The word capaz usually means 'capable' as an adjective. However, when used in the phrase capaz que, it shifts meaning entirely to express a possibility like 'maybe'.
- The phrase de pronto can mean 'maybe' in several Latin American countries. In Spain, however, it almost exclusively means 'suddenly'.
Examples in context
- Tal vez lo tenga.Maybe he has it.This example shows how to use tal vez to express possession.Tatoeba #7166695 by arh, translation #9194600 by DJ_Saidez
- Tal vez lo logres.Maybe you'll succeed.This example shows how to use tal vez to express success.Tatoeba #817512 by marcelostockle, translation #65028 by CK
- Tal vez es verdad.Maybe it's true.This example shows how to use tal vez to express truth.Tatoeba #1446748 by hayastan, translation #866728 by avenelanna
- Tal vez vaya a la fiesta mañanaMaybe I will go to the party tomorrow.
- Quizás llegue tarde a la reuniónPerhaps I will arrive late to the meeting.
- Puede ser que tengamos que cancelar el planIt may be that we have to cancel the plan.
- A lo mejor vamos al cine esta nocheMaybe we'll go to the movies tonight.
- 274 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing their weekend plans in a cafe.
- DanielTal vez vayamos al cine mañana.Maybe we will go to the cinema tomorrow.
- MaríaNo estoy segura de mi horario.I am not sure about my schedule.
- DanielEstá bien, avísame más tarde.That's fine, let me know later.
- MaríaTe llamaré en cuanto sepa algo.I will call you as soon as I know something.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries tal vez, quizá, quizás, talvez, acaso, de pronto, igual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quizá, quizás, tal, tal vez, talvez, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
