Learn Spanish (Latin America): Capaz que necesitamos usar nuestra intuición.

Capaz que necesitamos usar nuestra intuición.

We might need to use our intuition.

Breakdown of Capaz que necesitamos usar nuestra intuición.

Questions & Answers about Capaz que necesitamos usar nuestra intuición.

Why is necesitamos in the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive, since capaz que expresses doubt?

While expressions of doubt often trigger the subjunctive, capaz que is a notable exception in many parts of Latin America. It is very frequently followed by the indicative, like necesitamos here, to express a strong possibility or a hunch. You can use the subjunctive (necesitemos), but the indicative is completely natural and widely accepted in everyday speech.

Doesn't the word capaz normally mean "capable"?

You are right that capaz usually means "capable" when describing a person or thing (for example, somos capaces means "we are capable"). However, when used at the start of a phrase as capaz que or just capaz, it functions as a colloquial expression meaning "maybe," "perhaps," or "there's a chance that."

Could I drop the que and just say Capaz necesitamos usar nuestra intuición?

Yes, you can! In informal spoken Spanish throughout much of Latin America, people frequently drop the que. Saying Capaz necesitamos sounds just as natural and means exactly the same thing in this context.

Should I use capaz que instead of tal vez or quizás in my writing?