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"Puede ser que" is a phrase which is often translated as "maybe", and "quizá" is an adverb which is also often translated as "maybe". Learn more about the difference between "puede ser que" and "quizá" below.
puede ser que(
pweh
-
deh
sehr
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. maybe
No encuentro las llaves. - Puede ser que las dejaras en casa.I can't find the keys. - Maybe you left them at home.
b. perhaps
Puede ser que tu novio no haya oído el teléfono.Perhaps your boyfriend didn't hear the telephone.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No te preocupes. Puede ser que tu abuelo haya salido un rato.Don't worry. Your grandfather may have gone out for a while.
Puede ser que tu jefe todavía no haya leído tu email.You boss may not have read your email yet.
a. is it possible that
Si no encuentras el carro, ¿puede ser que que te hayas estacionado en otro sitio?If you can't find the car, is it possible that you parked somewhere else?
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Puede ser que Juan se haya marchado sin la fiambrera?Could Juan have gone off without his packed lunch?
¿Puede ser que tu vecina esté de vacaciones? El buzón está lleno.Might your neighbour be away on vacation? Her mailbox is full.
No puede ser que Pablo y Ana se hayan peleado, ¿verdad?Pablo and Ana can't have had a row, can they?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No puede ser que Roberto no supiera lo que pasaba aquí.Roberto must have known what was happening here.
¡No puede ser que Julia se haya ido sin decírmelo!Surely Julia can't have gone away without telling me!
quizá(
kee
-
sah
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (possibly)
quizás
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
2. (possibly)
