How to Say "likely" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “likely” is “probablemente” — use 'probablemente' when you want to express a high degree of certainty or expectation about something happening, similar to 'probably' in English.
probablemente
pro-bah-bleh-MEN-tehpɾoˌβaβleˈmente
Examples
Probablemente llueva mañana.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Si llegamos tarde, probablemente no haya asientos.
If we arrive late, there probably won't be any seats.
Probablemente él ya sabe la verdad, pero no quiere decirla.
He probably already knows the truth, but he doesn't want to say it.
Where does it go in a sentence?
You have flexibility! 'Probablemente' can usually go at the beginning of a sentence, right before the verb, or even at the end. The most common spot is at the very beginning.
Choosing the Verb Form (A Key Skill!)
After 'probablemente', the verb can be in its normal form (indicative) or a special 'maybe' form (subjunctive). Use the normal form when you feel pretty sure, and the 'maybe' form when you're less certain. For example, 'Probablemente viene' (He's probably coming - I'm fairly sure) vs. 'Probablemente venga' (He'll probably come - but it's more of a guess).
Forgetting the 'Maybe' Verb Form
Mistake: “Using the normal verb form when you want to express more doubt.”
Correction: To show you're less sure, switch to the special 'subjunctive' verb form. Instead of 'Probablemente es la mejor opción', try 'Probablemente sea la mejor opción' to sound more natural when expressing uncertainty.
probable
proh-BAH-blehpɾoˈβaβle
Examples
Es probable que llueva esta tarde, mejor lleva paraguas.
It is probable that it will rain this afternoon, better take an umbrella.
La causa más probable del accidente fue la velocidad excesiva.
The most probable cause of the accident was excessive speed.
Los resultados probables de la elección se conocerán mañana.
The likely results of the election will be known tomorrow.
Use with Subjunctive
When you use the impersonal phrase 'Es probable que...' (It is likely that...), the next verb must be in the special 'subjunctive' form: 'Es probable que venga' (It is likely that he/she comes).
Gender Agreement
This adjective is one of the handy ones that is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. It only changes when the noun is plural: 'el resultado probable' and 'la causa probable' become 'los resultados probables'.
Forgetting Subjunctive
Mistake: “Es probable que *viene* mañana.”
Correction: Es probable que *venga* mañana. (The likelihood introduces uncertainty, requiring the special verb form.)
deber
deh-BEHRdeˈβeɾ
Examples
El tren debe de llegar pronto; ya son las tres.
The train must be arriving soon; it is already three o'clock.
Ella debe de estar enferma, no ha venido a trabajar.
She must be sick; she hasn't come to work.
Debe de haber un error en esta cuenta.
There must be an error in this bill.
Guessing vs. Requiring
Traditionally, adding the little word 'de' after 'deber' changes the meaning from 'you have to' (obligation) to 'I assume/it must be' (a guess).
Overusing the Preposition 'De'
Mistake: “Using 'de' for obligations (e.g., 'Debo de estudiar').”
Correction: Only use 'de' when you are making a strong guess or assumption. For duties, skip the 'de'.
capaz
ka-paskaˈpas
Examples
Capaz que llueve más tarde.
Maybe it will rain later.
Es capaz de haberlo olvidado ya.
It's possible he's already forgotten it.
¿Vienes a la fiesta? —Capaz.
Are you coming to the party? —Maybe.
Using 'Capaz que' for 'Maybe'
In many parts of Latin America, people say 'Capaz que...' to mean 'Maybe...' or 'It's possible that...'. It's a very common and natural-sounding phrase in conversation.
Using it Alone
Mistake: “Yo capaz voy a la fiesta.”
Correction: **Capaz que** voy a la fiesta. When used to mean 'maybe' at the start of a sentence, it's almost always followed by 'que' to sound natural.
fácil
Examples
El examen de español fue muy fácil.
The Spanish exam was very easy.
Probablemente vs. Probable vs. Capaz
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