quizá
/kee-SAH/
📝 In Action
Quizá llueva mañana.
A2Maybe it will rain tomorrow.
No ha llegado. Quizá perdió el autobús.
B1He hasn't arrived. Perhaps he missed the bus.
Quizá deberíamos llamarla antes de ir.
B1Maybe we should call her before we go.
No estoy seguro, quizá venga más tarde.
B2I'm not sure, maybe he'll come later.
💡 Grammar Points
The Verb After 'Quizá'
After 'quizá', you can use two different types of verb endings. The one you choose shows how sure you feel. Use the normal verb form (like 'viene') if you think it's likely. Use a special 'what if' form (like 'venga') if you feel very uncertain.
'Quizá' or 'Quizás'?
They mean exactly the same thing! You can use them interchangeably. Many speakers prefer to use 'quizás' when the next word starts with a vowel sound (like 'quizás ahora'), but it's not a strict rule.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'What If' Verb Form
Mistake: "When expressing a lot of doubt, a learner might say: 'Quizá él tiene la respuesta.'"
Correction: To show you're really not sure, it sounds more natural to say: 'Quizá él tenga la respuesta.' This special verb form ('tenga') is called the subjunctive, and it's your go-to for expressing uncertainty.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound More Natural with 'A lo mejor'
While 'quizá' and 'tal vez' often use those special 'what if' verb forms, there's an easy alternative. 'A lo mejor' also means 'maybe' but is always followed by the normal verb form. It's a great, safe choice when you're starting out!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quizá
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences expresses the MOST doubt or uncertainty?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between 'quizá' and 'quizás'?
There is no difference in meaning. They both mean 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. Some people prefer using 'quizás' before a word that starts with a vowel, like 'quizás es...', because it sounds smoother, but it's not a required rule. You can use either one.
Why does the verb change sometimes after 'quizá' (e.g., 'viene' vs. 'venga')?
It's a way to show how certain you are. If you use the normal verb form ('viene'), you're saying 'maybe he's coming' but you think it's pretty possible. If you use the special form ('venga'), you're signaling more doubt, like 'he *might* come, but I'm really not sure'.
Is 'tal vez' the same as 'quizá'?
Yes, they are very close synonyms and can be used in the same way. Just like 'quizá', 'tal vez' can be followed by either the normal verb form or the special 'what if' (subjunctive) form to show your level of certainty.