Portuguese Phrase
Talvez eles cancelem.
Meaning
The sentence expresses uncertainty about a future action: the speaker thinks there is a chance that ‘they’ will cancel something, such as an event, a meeting or a reservation. The use of ‘talvez’ plus the subjunctive conveys speculation rather than a definite plan.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about a possible cancellation that you are not sure about. It works in both informal chats and more formal contexts, like work emails, as long as the tone remains neutral.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Talvezelescancelem
Talvez + Subjuntivo
The adverb 'talvez' (maybe) always triggers the present subjunctive in the clause that follows, because the statement is uncertain.
Presente do Subjuntivo – 3ª pessoa do plural
'cancelem' is the present subjunctive form of 'cancelar' for 'eles/elas/vocês'. It differs from the indicative 'cancelam'.
Pronome pessoal 'eles'
'eles' is the third‑person plural pronoun meaning 'they'. It can be omitted if the verb form already indicates the subject.
🗨In Conversation
O concerto ainda vai acontecer hoje?
Is the concert still happening today?
Talvez eles cancelem.
Maybe they will cancel.
✕Common Mistakes
Talvez eles cancelam.
After ‘talvez’ you must use the subjunctive, not the indicative. ‘Cancelam’ is indicative and changes the meaning to a statement of fact.
Talvez eles vão cancelar.
While ‘vão cancelar’ is grammatically correct, it shifts the nuance to a more concrete future prediction. Use the subjunctive form for pure speculation.
↔Alternatives
Pode ser que eles cancelem.
It could be that they cancel.
É possível que eles cancelem.
It is possible that they will cancel.
Quem sabe eles cancelem.
Who knows, they might cancel.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, ‘talvez’ is the most common way to say ‘maybe’, and it always requires the subjunctive mood. Native speakers rarely use the indicative after ‘talvez’; saying ‘Talvez eles cancelam’ sounds ungrammatical and can be confusing. Also, note that the subjunctive form ‘cancelem’ is the same for all third‑person plural subjects, so you can drop ‘eles’ if the context is clear: ‘Talvez cancelem.’