Spanish Phrase
Puede que cobren una tarifa.
Meaning
This sentence means ‘It may be that they charge a fee.’ It expresses a possibility rather than a certainty, and the verb is in the subjunctive because of the uncertainty introduced by ‘puede que’.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about a potential charge that isn’t confirmed yet—e.g., when asking about hidden costs, checking service terms, or discussing policies that might involve a fee.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puedequecobrenunatarifa
Puede que + Subjunctive
The expression 'puede que' introduces uncertainty and always triggers the subjunctive mood in the verb that follows.
cobren (subjunctive)
'cobren' is the third‑person plural present subjunctive of 'cobrar' and is used here because of the preceding 'puede que'.
una tarifa
The indefinite article 'una' signals that the fee is not a specific, previously mentioned one.
🗨In Conversation
¿Van a cobrarme por el servicio?
Are they going to charge me for the service?
Puede que cobren una tarifa, pero todavía no lo sé con certeza.
They may charge a fee, but I’m not sure yet.
✕Common Mistakes
Puede que cobran una tarifa.
After 'puede que' the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Puede que cobren el tarifa.
‘Tarifa’ is feminine, so the correct article is ‘una’, not ‘el’.
Puede que cobren una tarifa, pero no sé.
Avoid mixing subjunctive and indicative in the same clause; keep the whole clause in the subjunctive after ‘puede que’.
↔Alternatives
Es posible que cobren una tarifa.
It’s possible that they charge a fee.
Tal vez cobren una tarifa.
Perhaps they will charge a fee.
Quizá cobren una tarifa.
Maybe they’ll charge a fee.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, service fees are common in hotels, airlines, and even public utilities. When discussing fees, it’s polite to use conditional or subjunctive forms like ‘puede que’ to soften the statement and avoid sounding accusatory. Also, note that ‘tarifa’ can refer to both a fixed price and a rate (e.g., hourly or per‑kilometer).