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"Subjuntivo" is a noun which is often translated as "subjunctive", and "puede ser que" is a phrase which is often translated as "maybe". Learn more about the difference between "subjuntivo" and "puede ser que" below.
el subjuntivo(
soob
-
hoon
-
tee
-
boh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (grammar)
a. subjunctive
El subjuntivo es una forma verbal que les cuesta mucho entender a los extranjeros.The subjunctive is a verbal form that foreigners find very difficult to understand.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
2. (grammar)
a. subjunctive
Recién cuando empecé a estudiar idiomas extranjeros me enteré de la existencia del modo subjuntivo.I only learned of the existence of the subjunctive mood when I began to study foreign languages.
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!
