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"Posiblemente" is an adverb which is often translated as "possibly", and "tal vez" is a phrase which is often translated as "maybe". Learn more about the difference between "posiblemente" and "tal vez" below.
posiblemente(
poh
-
see
-
bleh
-
mehn
-
teh
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. possibly
Posiblemente, este es el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.This is possibly the best restaurant in town.
b. maybe
¿Vas a venir a mi fiesta de cumpleaños? - Posiblemente.Are you coming to my birthday party? - Maybe.
c. perhaps
Roberto ya debería estar aquí. Posiblemente no haya podido obtener una entrada.Roberto should be here by now. Perhaps he couldn't get a ticket.
d.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Diana parecía triste y habló muy poco. - Posiblemente se haya peleado con Diego.Diana seemed sad and said very little. - She might have had a row with Diego.
Si el tiempo no mejora, posiblemente tengan que aplazar el concierto.If the weather doesn't improve, they may have to postpone the concert.
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tal vez(
tahl
 
behs
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. maybe
Tal vez se le olvidó que ustedes se iban a encontrar.Maybe she forgot that you were going to meet up.
b. perhaps
¿Tal vez le gustaría una taza de té, señora?Perhaps you would like a cup of tea, ma'am?
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