talvez
tal-bes
📝 In Action
Talvez lleguemos tarde si no nos apuramos.
A2Maybe we will arrive late if we don't hurry up.
Talvez la reunión sea mañana y no hoy.
B1Perhaps the meeting is tomorrow and not today.
No la he visto. Talvez está ocupada en su oficina.
B2I haven't seen her. Maybe she is busy in her office.
💡 Grammar Points
Uncertainty vs. Likelihood
When 'talvez' expresses strong doubt or a future possibility, the following verb usually takes a special form (the subjunctive): 'Talvez venga mañana' (Maybe he will come tomorrow).
Using the Normal Verb Form
If you use 'talvez' but still believe the possibility is quite likely, you can use the normal verb form (the indicative): 'Talvez está en casa' (Maybe he is at home).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Verb Form
Mistake: "Talvez es verdad."
Correction: Talvez sea verdad. (Using the special verb form 'sea' emphasizes that you are unsure if it is true.)
⭐ Usage Tips
One Word or Two?
The Royal Spanish Academy accepts both 'talvez' (one word) and 'tal vez' (two words). They mean exactly the same thing, so use whichever you prefer!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: talvez
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses the most natural Spanish to express that you are highly uncertain about seeing Pedro?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'talvez' more formal than 'quizás' or 'a lo mejor'?
'Talvez' is a neutral word, perfectly suitable for any situation. 'Quizás' is equally neutral, while 'a lo mejor' is often considered slightly more informal or conversational.
If I write 'Tal vez' (two words), is the meaning different?
No, the meaning is exactly the same. Both 'talvez' and 'tal vez' are correct ways to write 'maybe' in Spanish.