Talvez vs. Quem Sabe: Say ‘Maybe’ in Brazilian Portuguese — Practice

Use talvez to state uncertainty directly

Talvez means ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps.’ Put it near the beginning or before the verb to show that you are not sure: talvez eu vá (maybe I’ll go). In careful Portuguese, talvez often appears with the subjunctive when the outcome is uncertain; learners will also hear indicative forms in spontaneous speech.

If you are discussing a plan, add a time or condition so the other person knows what remains undecided. Talvez by itself does not promise that the plan will happen.

Use quem sabe for an open possibility

Quem sabe literally means ‘who knows?’ and can introduce a hopeful or open possibility: quem sabe a gente se encontra no sábado (maybe we’ll meet on Saturday). It often feels less like a firm answer and more like leaving the door open.

Pode ser means ‘that could work’ or ‘maybe,’ especially when responding to an option. It can signal tentative agreement, so confirm details if you need a definite yes.

Remember: Talvez is a clear ‘maybe.’ Quem sabe leaves a possibility open, and pode ser often accepts a suggestion tentatively. Confirm a time when you need a definite plan.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Maybe I’ll work from home tomorrow.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Talvez eu trabalhe de casa amanhã.

2. Maybe we’ll arrive after eight.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Talvez a gente chegue depois das oito.

3. Maybe she’s at the market.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ela talvez esteja no mercado.

4. Maybe we can have lunch together on Friday?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quem sabe a gente almoça junto na sexta?

5. We can start at nine. — That could work.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Podemos começar às nove. — Pode ser.

6. Maybe I’ll visit Salvador next year.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quem sabe eu visite Salvador no próximo ano.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Talvez is a clear ‘maybe.’ Quem sabe leaves a possibility open, and pode ser often accepts a suggestion tentatively. Confirm a time when you need a definite plan.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Talvez vs. Quem Sabe: Say ‘Maybe’ in Brazilian Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.