What if in Spanish

When to use it: Use this to introduce a possible explanation, plan, or problem for people to consider.

The blank needs a complete idea, such as the card still being in the café.

Say it: Y sounds like the English ee: ee SEE.

When to use it: Use this to say that an event or situation is possible, without claiming it is likely or certain.

Puede que normally introduces a subjunctive verb because the possibility is uncertain.

Say it: Say PWEH-deh keh, with both e sounds clear.

When to use it: Use this everyday phrase when offering a possible explanation or outcome with a fairly neutral tone.

A lo mejor can introduce a present or future possibility; learn the whole phrase as one chunk.

Say it: Link it smoothly: ah-loh-meh-HOR, with a strong final syllable.

When to use it: Say this when someone suggests an outcome you consider possible but unlikely.

Pase is subjunctive because your belief is negative and the event remains uncertain.

Say it: Pase sounds like PAH-seh, with a short, open first vowel.

When to use it: Use this one-word answer when the result changes according to information you do not have yet.

Depende works alone, or you can add what the result depends on afterward.

Say it: Stress the second syllable: deh-PEN-deh.

When to use it: Say this when you cannot judge the outcome until you check more information or wait.

Habría softens the answer, so it sounds less definite than a direct statement about what will happen.

Say it: The h is silent: ah-BREE-ah keh BEHR, with a light Spanish r.