literal meaning of "tal vez"
I understand the word (or, is it a phrase?) means "perhaps" or "maybe" but I am wondering, just out of curiosity, what these two words literally mean if they are separated, and how, etymologically, do they eventually become "maybe" ?
tal = such
vez = time
such time?
:D I know we are supposed to just accept and not over-analyze etymological roots, but I'm just curious, so this question is just for fun. :D
Gracias.
8 Answers
Here's a good one for you: "No tiene nada que ver contigo" It has nothing to do with you. What is that "ver" doing in there? Most things about Spanish are easy but this is the hardest part...some phrases just make no sense when broken down. How about this one: "Por sentado no doy" which means something like "I don't assume". Of course, none of my mexican friends have ever heard the second phrase but everyone on the internet has, right guys? 
My Spanish teacher told me to stop trying to translate everything literally, or my head would explode. So I stopped.
Haha you said this was just for fun, so it's a fine question. I have curiosities about English words and roots all the time, and it's my native tongue. All it does is enrich your knowledge of a language. I don't see a problem in thinking too much.
You teacher is quite right. English and Spanish are different. Taking out the trash is sacando la basura, but there are instances where the words don't quite fit. It's the same, just the way of describing it is different. Example....in English...I am 43 years old (don't tell anyone), in spanish, I have 43 years. Same thing...different way of describing it. 
Couple more in the same vein, just for fun. Not an answer obviously. Never looked up the literal translation
Tal para cual - two of a kind Con tal qué - provided that (when followed by a subjunctive)
Why don't you ask yourself what "per" and "haps" mean?
You are thinking too much...it means maybe.
Just for comparison the meaning of
"so" vs "so so"
"yes" vs "yes yes"
