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"May" is a form of "may", an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "poder". "Might as well" is a phrase which is often translated as "¿Por qué no?". Learn more about the difference between "might as well" and "may" below.
might as well(
mayd
ahz
wehl
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. ¿Por qué no?
Your last patient didn't show up, doctor. Should we close for the day? - Might as well.El último paciente no se presentó, doctora. ¿Cerramos ya por el día? - ¿Por qué no?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Since I've missed the last train of the night, I might as well order another beer and then walk home.Como perdí el último tren de la noche, casi que me pido otra cerveza y me vuelvo a casa a pie.
You're losing by 300 points. You might as well give up.Estás perdiendo por 300 puntos. Más vale que te rindas.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Our chemistry teacher might as well have been speaking Greek.Nuestra profesora de química podría haber estado hablándonos en griego.
With the way you're playing that piano, you might as well be sitting on the keys.Tal y como estás tocando ese piano, daría igual que estuvieras sentado en las teclas.
may(
mey
)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
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
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
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
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
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
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
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
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.
