Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| quizá | /kiˈθa/ /kiˈsa/ |
|
| quizás | /kiˈθas/ /kiˈsas/ |
alternative form |
| tal vez | /ˌtal ˈbeθ/ /ˌtal ˈbes/ |
|
| 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 as adverbs to indicate a lack of certainty.
Which one should you use?
The forms quizá and quizás are interchangeable, with quizás being an alternative spelling. Similarly, tal vez and talvez are alternative spellings of each other. While tal vez is a standard way to say maybe, igual is used colloquially in many regions to express the same idea in a way that tal vez is not. Capaz que is a colloquial phrase that translates to 'it's possible that'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, quizás is more commonly used in formal contexts. In some areas of the Caribbean, the word capaz is used as a regional idiomatic expression. In many parts of Latin America, de pronto is used to mean 'maybe' or 'perhaps', though in Spain this phrase more commonly means 'suddenly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing doubt, the forms quizá and quizás are often followed by the subjunctive mood. The colloquial phrase capaz que is also typically followed by the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtal ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The word quizá literally contains the question 'who knows?', originating from the phrase qui sabe.
- The word acaso is another way to say 'maybe', but it is often used in rhetorical questions to imply that something is highly unlikely.
Examples in context
- Tal vez lo tenga.Maybe he has it.This sentence shows how to use tal vez to express possibility regarding possession.Tatoeba #7166695 by arh, translation #9194600 by DJ_Saidez
- Tal vez lo logres.Maybe you'll succeed.This sentence demonstrates the use of tal vez regarding succeeding in something.Tatoeba #817512 by marcelostockle, translation #65028 by CK
- Tal vez es verdad.Maybe it's true.This sentence illustrates using tal vez to express uncertainty about a fact.Tatoeba #1446748 by hayastan, translation #866728 by avenelanna
- ¿Vendrás a la fiesta? Tal vez vaya, pero aún no lo sé.Are you coming to the party? Maybe I'll go, but I'm still not sure.
- ¿Podrías llamarme mañana? Quizás pueda hablar contigo en ese momento.Could you call me tomorrow? Maybe I can talk to you then.
- ¿Podemos contar contigo mañana en la reunión? Puede ser, pero primero necesito revisar mi horario.Can we count on you tomorrow for the meeting? It could be, but I need to check my schedule first.
- ¿Quieres venir al cine hoy? Tal vez sí, tal vez no.Do you want to come to the movies today? Maybe yes, maybe no.
- ¿Vendrás a la fiesta de Pablo? A lo mejor, depende de mi estado de ánimo.Are you coming to Pablo's party? Maybe, it depends on my mood.
- 274 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are deciding on dinner plans.
- Alejandro¿Quieres ir al nuevo café?Do you want to go to the new cafe?
- ElenaTal vez, pero estoy muy cansada.Maybe, but I am very tired.
- AlejandroPodemos pedir comida a casa.We can order food to the house.
- ElenaEsa es una buena idea.That is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maybe” translations and entries quizá, quizás, tal vez, 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.
