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tal vez

tahl-behs/tal 'βes/

“tal vez” means “maybe” in Spanish (General use to indicate uncertainty.).

maybe

Also: perhaps
General
A traveler standing at a fork in a dirt path, looking thoughtfully at two different directions.

📝 In Action

Tal vez voy a la fiesta esta noche.

A1

Maybe I am going to the party tonight.

Tal vez ellos no sepan la verdad todavía.

B1

Perhaps they don't know the truth yet.

Tal vez sea mejor esperar un poco más.

B2

Maybe it's better to wait a little longer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tal vez sí – maybe so
  • tal vez no – maybe not

Idioms & Expressions

  • tal vez en otra vida – something that will never happen

🔀 Commonly Confused With

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tal vez

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following is NOT a correct way to say 'maybe'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

A combination of the Spanish word 'tal' (such) and 'vez' (time/occasion). It literally suggests 'such a time' or 'a possible time' when something might occur.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: talvez

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tal vez' one word or two?

It is written as two separate words in Spanish, unlike in Portuguese where it is written as one (talvez).

What is the difference between 'tal vez' and 'quizás'?

They mean the exact same thing and are interchangeable. 'Tal vez' is slightly more common in some regions, while 'quizás' can sound a bit more literary.

Can I use 'tal vez' to answer a question alone?

Yes! Just like in English, if someone asks 'Are you coming?', you can simply reply 'Tal vez' (Maybe).