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"Maybe" is an adverb which is often translated as "tal vez", and "may" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "poder". Learn more about the difference between "maybe" and "may" below.
maybe()
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
I'm not sure if I can go yet. - Shall I put you down as a maybe then?No estoy segura todavía de si podré ir. - ¿Te pongo entonces como quizá?
Is that a yes then? - No, it's a maybe.¿Entonces tu respuesta es que sí? - No, más bien diría que tal vez.
may()
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. poder
May I help you, madam?¿Puedo ayudarla, señora?
May I leave the table? - No, you may not.¿Puedo levantarme de la mesa? - No, no puedes.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
I’d like to make a suggestion, if I may.Quisiera hacer una sugerencia, si me permite.
May I see that letter?¿Me enseña la carta?
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
She may have decided to go to the movies by herself.A lo mejor decidió ir al cine sola.
We may be able to find a replacement for you so you can take off.Puede que podamos encontrar a alguien que te sustituya para que puedas tener el día libre.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
May you both be very happy!¡Que sean muy felices!
We want to preserve this landscape so that it may be enjoyed by future generations.Queremos conservar este paisaje para que las generaciones venideras lo disfruten.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
I may not be rich, but I’m happy.No seré rica, pero soy feliz.
You may not like the taste of the cough syrup, but you have to take it.Puede que no te guste el sabor del jarabe para la tos, pero hay que tomarlo.
