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 all used to indicate a lack of certainty.
Which one should you use?
While tal vez and quizá are standard, quizás is an alternative spelling of quizá. Similarly, talvez is an alternative spelling of tal vez. Acaso is more formal and is frequently used in rhetorical questions or to express doubt. Capaz que is a colloquial way to express possibility and is typically followed by a clause. In many dialects, particularly in Spain, igual is used colloquially to mean 'maybe' at the start of a sentence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, de pronto can be used to mean 'maybe' or 'perhaps', though it more literally means 'suddenly'. In Spain, you might use puede ser or es posible as an alternative to posiblemente.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing uncertainty with tal vez or quizá, the following verb often takes the subjunctive mood if the speaker is expressing doubt. Additionally, capaz que is typically followed by a clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtal ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The word quizá literally translates to 'who knows', stemming from the Old Spanish phrase qui sabe.
- The phrase capaz que is a colloquial way to express possibility, but it literally translates to 'capable that'.
Examples in context
- Tal vez lo tenga.Maybe he has it.This sentence shows how to use tal vez to express that someone might have something.Tatoeba #7166695 by arh, translation #9194600 by DJ_Saidez
- Tal vez lo logres.Maybe you'll succeed.This sentence uses tal vez to express the possibility of succeeding.Tatoeba #817512 by marcelostockle, translation #65028 by CK
- Tal vez es verdad.Maybe it's true.This sentence demonstrates using tal vez to express that something might be true.Tatoeba #1446748 by hayastan, translation #866728 by avenelanna
- Posiblemente llegue tarde a la reunión.I might arrive late to the meeting.
- Posiblemente necesitemos más tiempo para finalizar el proyecto.We may need more time to finish the project.
- Tal vez pueda asistir a la conferencia.Maybe I can attend the conference.
- Tal vez deberíamos considerar otras alternativas.Perhaps we should consider other alternatives.
- ¿Vendrá María a la fiesta? Quién sabe.Will Maria come to the party? Who knows.
- Quizás vaya de viaje la próxima semana, quién sabe.Maybe I'll go on a trip next week, who knows.
- ¿Quieres salir mañana por la tarde? No estoy seguro/a todavía.Do you want to go out tomorrow afternoon? I'm not sure yet.
- 274 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- María¿Vendrás a la fiesta mañana?Will you come to the party tomorrow?
- MateoTal vez vaya si termino el trabajo.Maybe I will go if I finish the work.
- MaríaEspero que sí.I hope so.
- MateoYa te avisaré más tarde.I will let you know later.
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.
