quizás
“quizás” means “maybe” in Spanish (General uncertainty).
maybe, perhaps
Also: possibly
📝 In Action
Quizás voy al cine esta noche.
A2Maybe I'll go to the movies tonight.
No ha llegado. Quizás perdió el autobús.
B1He hasn't arrived. Perhaps he missed the bus.
Quizás sea mejor que esperemos un poco.
B1Perhaps it would be better if we wait a little.
¿Vas a la fiesta? —Quizás sí, quizás no.
B2Are you going to the party? —Maybe yes, maybe no.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quizás
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence best expresses a stronger sense of doubt or a more hypothetical 'maybe'?
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🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Spanish phrase 'qui sabe', which literally means 'who knows?'. Over centuries, speakers started saying it faster and faster until it squished together to become 'quizá', and later 'quizás'.
First recorded: Around the 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'quizás', 'tal vez', and 'a lo mejor'?
They all mean 'maybe' and are often interchangeable. The main difference is grammatical. With `quizás` and `tal vez`, you can choose to use a special verb form (the subjunctive) to show more doubt. With `a lo mejor`, you ALWAYS use the normal verb form. It's a bit more conversational and a great, simple choice for beginners!
Do I have to use the subjunctive after 'quizás'?
No, you don't! Using the normal verb form (the indicative) is perfectly correct and very common. Using the special subjunctive form just adds a subtle layer of meaning, suggesting a bit more doubt. When you're starting out, don't worry too much and just use the normal form.