How to Say “Maybe” and “Probably” in Portuguese

Introduction

Expressing uncertainty is a fundamental part of natural conversation in any language. When learning Portuguese, mastering words like maybe and probably will help you sound more fluent and navigate everyday interactions with confidence. This comprehensive guide explores the various ways to express possibility, probability, and doubt in Portuguese, from the most common expressions to regional variations and cultural nuances that will elevate your language skills.

The Basic Word for Maybe in Portuguese

The most straightforward translation of maybe in Portuguese is talvez. This versatile adverb is used throughout the Portuguese-speaking world and serves as your go-to word when you want to express uncertainty or possibility. Talvez works in virtually any context where you might use maybe in English, making it an essential word for beginners to master early in their learning journey.

Here are some practical examples of how to use talvez in everyday conversation:

Talvez eu vá ao cinema hoje.
Maybe I’ll go to the cinema today.

Talvez ela esteja ocupada.
Maybe she is busy.

Você vai à festa? Talvez.
Are you going to the party? Maybe.

One important grammatical note: when talvez appears at the beginning of a sentence, it typically triggers the subjunctive mood in Portuguese. This means the verb that follows will be conjugated differently than in the indicative mood. While this might sound complicated, native speakers use this construction naturally, and with practice, you will too.

Understanding the Subjunctive with Talvez

The subjunctive mood in Portuguese expresses doubt, possibility, or hypothetical situations, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of talvez. When you place talvez before the verb, you’re signaling that what follows is uncertain or possible rather than certain.

Compare these two sentences:

Talvez ele chegue amanhã. (subjunctive)
Maybe he will arrive tomorrow.

Ele chega amanhã, talvez. (indicative)
He arrives tomorrow, maybe.

Notice how placing talvez at the end of the sentence allows you to use the indicative mood, which beginners often find more comfortable. Both constructions are correct and commonly used by native speakers.

Alternative Ways to Say Maybe

Portuguese offers several other expressions for conveying uncertainty, each with its own subtle nuances and levels of formality. Learning these alternatives will make your Portuguese sound more natural and give you flexibility in different social situations.

Pode Ser

The expression pode ser literally translates to it can be or it could be, but functions similarly to maybe in conversational Portuguese. This phrase is extremely common in Brazilian Portuguese and tends to be more informal than talvez. Native speakers often use pode ser when responding to suggestions or questions.

Quer sair para jantar? Pode ser.
Want to go out for dinner? Maybe.

Pode ser que chova hoje.
Maybe it will rain today.

When you add que after pode ser to form pode ser que, you create a structure that also requires the subjunctive mood. This construction is very common and sounds natural in everyday speech.

Quem Sabe

Another colloquial expression for maybe is quem sabe, which literally means who knows. This phrase adds a touch of informality and often conveys a sense of hopeful possibility rather than mere uncertainty. Brazilians use quem sabe frequently in casual conversation, sometimes even as a one-word response.

Você vai conseguir o emprego? Quem sabe!
Will you get the job? Maybe!

Quem sabe a gente se vê no fim de semana.
Maybe we’ll see each other on the weekend.

The expression quem sabe can also be used to mean perhaps or possibly when you’re contemplating different options or making suggestions. It adds a conversational, friendly tone to your Portuguese.

Será Que

The construction será que is used to form questions that express doubt or wonder, and can often be translated as maybe or I wonder if. This phrase comes from the future tense of the verb ser (to be) and creates a sense of speculation about something.

Será que ele vem hoje?
I wonder if he’s coming today? / Maybe he’s coming today?

Será que vai fazer sol amanhã?
Maybe it will be sunny tomorrow?

While será que is technically used to form questions, native speakers often use it rhetorically to express uncertainty or possibility, making it functionally similar to maybe in certain contexts.

Expressing Probably in Portuguese

When you want to express a higher degree of certainty than maybe, Portuguese offers several options that correspond to probably in English. These words and phrases indicate that something is likely to happen, though not completely certain.

Provavelmente

The most direct translation of probably is provavelmente. This adverb is used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese and maintains a neutral, standard register suitable for any context. Unlike talvez, provavelmente does not require the subjunctive mood, making it grammatically simpler for learners.

Provavelmente vou viajar nas férias.
I will probably travel during the vacation.

Ela provavelmente está no escritório.
She is probably at the office.

Provavelmente sim.
Probably yes.

You can place provavelmente at the beginning of a sentence, after the verb, or even as a standalone response. Its flexibility makes it easy to incorporate into your Portuguese conversations naturally.

Provável

The adjective form provável means probable or likely and is used in slightly different constructions than provavelmente. You’ll often see it in the phrase é provável que, which means it is probable that or it is likely that.

É provável que eles cheguem atrasados.
They will probably arrive late.

É pouco provável que isso aconteça.
It is unlikely that this will happen.

When you use é provável que, the verb that follows should be in the subjunctive mood, similar to the pattern with talvez. This construction is common in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Degrees of Certainty and Uncertainty

Portuguese speakers, like English speakers, use different words and phrases to express varying levels of certainty. Understanding this spectrum will help you communicate more precisely and pick up on subtle differences in what others are telling you.

Lower Certainty: Doubt and Possibility

When something is merely possible but far from certain, you might use expressions like é possível que (it is possible that) or pode ser que (it could be that). These phrases sit on the lower end of the certainty spectrum.

É possível que eu mude de cidade.
Maybe I will move to a different city.

Pode ser que a gente se encontre lá.
We might meet there.

Another useful word for expressing low certainty is capaz, often used in the construction é capaz de or simply capaz as a standalone response in informal speech.

É capaz dele esquecer o compromisso.
He might forget the appointment.

Você acha que vai chover? Capaz.
Do you think it will rain? Maybe.

Medium Certainty: Likelihood

When you think something is likely but not guaranteed, provavelmente and deve (must, should) are excellent choices. The verb dever in Portuguese can indicate both obligation and probability, depending on context.

Ele deve estar no trânsito.
He must be stuck in traffic. / He is probably in traffic.

Isso deve custar uns cem reais.
This probably costs around a hundred reais.

Another phrase that expresses likelihood is é provável que, as mentioned earlier, which sits comfortably in the middle of the certainty spectrum.

Higher Certainty: Strong Probability

When you’re quite confident about something but still leaving a small margin for doubt, Portuguese speakers use expressions like com certeza (certainly, for sure), certamente (certainly), or muito provavelmente (most likely, very probably).

Com certeza ela vai gostar do presente.
She will definitely like the gift.

Certamente haverá mudanças no projeto.
There will certainly be changes in the project.

Ele muito provavelmente será promovido.
He will very probably be promoted.

These expressions indicate strong confidence while still acknowledging that nothing is absolutely guaranteed until it happens.

Regional Variations and Colloquialisms

Brazilian Portuguese includes numerous colloquial expressions for maybe and probably that you’ll hear in everyday conversation. These informal phrases add color to your language and help you sound more like a native speaker.

Brazilian Colloquialisms

In Brazil, you might hear vai ver (literally go see), which functions as maybe or perhaps in casual speech. This expression is particularly common when making guesses or speculations about why something happened.

Vai ver ele perdeu o ônibus.
Maybe he missed the bus.

Por que ela não veio? Vai ver esqueceu.
Why didn’t she come? Maybe she forgot.

Another informal Brazilian expression is sei lá, which literally means I don’t know but often functions as maybe or who knows in a casual, sometimes dismissive way.

Você quer ir ao shopping? Sei lá, talvez.
Do you want to go to the mall? I don’t know, maybe.

The expression de repente (suddenly) has also evolved in Brazilian Portuguese to mean maybe or perhaps, especially when making suggestions or considering possibilities.

De repente a gente pode tentar outra coisa.
Maybe we can try something else.

Formal vs Informal Contexts

Understanding when to use formal or informal expressions is crucial for appropriate communication in Portuguese. In professional settings, business emails, or formal conversations, stick with standard terms like talvez, provavelmente, or é possível que.

In casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, feel free to use colloquial expressions like pode ser, quem sabe, capaz, or vai ver. These informal phrases make your Portuguese sound natural and help you connect better with native speakers.

Common Phrases and Practical Usage

Learning how to use maybe and probably in context is essential for natural-sounding Portuguese. Here are some common scenarios where you’ll need these expressions, along with practical examples you can use immediately.

Making Plans and Arrangements

When coordinating schedules or making tentative plans, expressions of uncertainty are indispensable:

Você pode me ajudar amanhã? Talvez, preciso ver minha agenda.
Can you help me tomorrow? Maybe, I need to check my schedule.

A que horas você chega? Provavelmente às sete.
What time will you arrive? Probably at seven.

Vamos nos encontrar no sábado? Pode ser, te confirmo depois.
Shall we meet on Saturday? Maybe, I’ll confirm later.

Responding to Invitations

When you receive an invitation but aren’t sure if you can attend, these phrases help you respond politely without committing:

Você vem à festa? Quem sabe, depende do trabalho.
Are you coming to the party? Maybe, it depends on work.

Vai estar lá hoje à noite? É capaz, ainda não sei.
Will you be there tonight? Maybe, I don’t know yet.

Expressing Opinions and Predictions

When sharing your thoughts about future events or making predictions, these expressions help you avoid sounding overly certain:

O time vai ganhar? Provavelmente sim, eles estão jogando bem.
Will the team win? Probably yes, they are playing well.

Acho que talvez ela mude de ideia.
I think maybe she will change her mind.

É provável que os preços aumentem no próximo ano.
Prices will probably increase next year.

Discussing Possibilities and Options

When brainstorming or considering different possibilities, uncertainty expressions help keep the conversation open:

Talvez a gente possa tentar uma abordagem diferente.
Maybe we can try a different approach.

De repente funciona se fizermos assim.
Maybe it works if we do it this way.

Pode ser que haja uma solução melhor.
There might be a better solution.

Cultural Context and Communication Style

Understanding how Brazilians use expressions of uncertainty helps you navigate social situations more effectively. Brazilian Portuguese speakers often use these words more frequently than English speakers might, as part of a communication style that values flexibility and harmony.

The Brazilian Approach to Certainty

Brazilian culture generally appreciates flexibility and adaptability, which is reflected in language use. Brazilians often use talvez, pode ser, or quem sabe even when they’re fairly certain about something, as a way of keeping options open and avoiding appearing too rigid or demanding.

This cultural tendency means that a Brazilian saying talvez might actually be more certain than the word maybe would suggest in English. Conversely, when a Brazilian uses strong certainty expressions like com certeza, they genuinely mean it with high confidence.

Politeness and Social Harmony

Using uncertainty expressions can also serve as a politeness strategy in Portuguese. Saying talvez or pode ser when declining an invitation or disagreeing with someone softens your response and helps maintain social harmony.

Você gostou do filme? Talvez não seja bem o meu estilo.
Did you like the movie? It’s maybe not really my style.

This indirect approach is generally appreciated in Brazilian social contexts, where maintaining positive relationships is highly valued.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you practice using these expressions, be aware of some common errors that learners make. Recognizing these mistakes will help you sound more natural and avoid confusion.

Overusing Talvez with Indicative

One frequent mistake is placing talvez at the beginning of a sentence but using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive. While native speakers might do this in very informal speech, it’s generally considered incorrect.

Incorrect: Talvez ele vem amanhã.
Correct: Talvez ele venha amanhã.

If you find the subjunctive challenging, simply place talvez after the verb to use the indicative mood naturally.

Confusing Pode Ser with Permission

Remember that pode ser means maybe or it could be, not can be in the sense of permission. For permission, you would typically use poder in a different construction.

Pode ser que eu vá. (Maybe I’ll go.)
Eu posso ir? (Can I go? / May I go?)

Translating Maybe Too Literally

Avoid translating English phrases like maybe not too literally. In Portuguese, to express maybe not, you would typically say talvez não or use a negative construction with your verb.

Talvez não seja uma boa ideia.
Maybe it’s not a good idea.

Provavelmente não vou conseguir ir.
I probably won’t be able to go.

Practice Exercises and Real-World Application

To truly master these expressions, you need to practice using them in real conversations. Here are some strategies to help you incorporate maybe and probably into your Portuguese naturally.

Daily Life Scenarios

Think about situations in your daily life where you express uncertainty in English, then practice saying the same things in Portuguese. Making plans with friends, discussing the weather, or talking about future events are all perfect opportunities to use talvez, provavelmente, and their alternatives.

Try narrating your thoughts in Portuguese throughout the day, incorporating these uncertainty expressions. For example, when you’re not sure about something, say it out loud in Portuguese:

Talvez eu almoce em casa hoje.
Maybe I’ll have lunch at home today.

Provavelmente vai chover mais tarde.
It will probably rain later.

Conversation Partners and Language Exchange

Practice with native speakers or other learners through language exchange platforms or conversation groups. Ask your conversation partner to correct you if you misuse these expressions, and pay attention to how they naturally incorporate uncertainty into their speech.

You can also practice by responding to hypothetical questions using different expressions to see which feels most natural in each context. The more you experiment with these words, the better you’ll understand their subtle differences.

Media and Entertainment

Watch Brazilian movies, series, or YouTube channels and listen for how native speakers use talvez, provavelmente, pode ser, and other uncertainty expressions. Notice the contexts where each is used and how they’re pronounced in natural speech.

Music lyrics can also be helpful, though remember that songs sometimes use language more creatively than everyday conversation. Still, paying attention to these expressions in songs helps you recognize them and understand their emotional connotations.

Advanced Nuances and Subtle Differences

As you advance in your Portuguese studies, you’ll start to notice subtle differences between apparently similar expressions. These nuances distinguish truly fluent speakers from those who are merely proficient.

Emotional Connotations

Different uncertainty expressions can carry different emotional tones. Quem sabe often sounds more hopeful or optimistic than talvez, which is relatively neutral. Sei lá can sound indifferent or even slightly dismissive, while pode ser tends to be friendly and open.

Understanding these emotional undertones helps you communicate not just what you mean, but how you feel about it. For instance:

Quem sabe a gente viaja ano que vem! (hopeful)
Maybe we’ll travel next year!

Sei lá se isso vai funcionar. (doubtful/indifferent)
I don’t know if this will work.

Register and Formality Levels

As mentioned earlier, some expressions are more formal than others. In a job interview, academic setting, or professional email, you would use talvez or provavelmente rather than pode ser or quem sabe.

However, in casual settings, using overly formal language can make you sound stiff or distant. Learning to match your language register to the social context is a key aspect of fluency.

Combining Expressions for Emphasis

Native speakers sometimes combine uncertainty expressions for emphasis or to express complex degrees of possibility:

Talvez, quem sabe, eu consiga terminar hoje.
Maybe, perhaps, I can finish today.

Pode ser que talvez funcione.
Maybe it might work.

While these combinations might seem redundant, they’re used naturally in spoken Portuguese to express particular shades of meaning or to buy time while thinking.

Conclusion

Mastering how to express maybe and probably in Portuguese opens up more natural, fluid conversations and helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence. From the essential talvez and provavelmente to colloquial gems like quem sabe and pode ser, each expression adds a unique flavor to your communication. Remember that practice makes perfect: use these words in real conversations, pay attention to how native speakers employ them, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different expressions in various contexts. Your growing comfort with uncertainty will make your Portuguese sound increasingly authentic and natural.