Question 1

Why is 'empiecen' in the subjunctive here instead of the indicative?

Accepted Answer

The phrase capaz que is used in Latin America to mean "maybe" or "it's possible that." Because it expresses doubt or uncertainty, it often triggers the subjunctive (empiecen). You might also hear it used with the indicative (empiezan) in casual speech if the speaker feels more confident that the action will happen, but the subjunctive is the standard way to emphasize that it's just a possibility.

Question 2

Wait, doesn't 'capaz' mean 'capable'? How does it mean 'might' here?

Accepted Answer

You are right! As a standard adjective, capaz means "capable" (e.g., ella es capaz, "she is capable"). However, in many parts of Latin America, the fixed phrase capaz que (or sometimes just capaz on its own) is used as an expression meaning "maybe," "perhaps," or "might." It's a very common, colloquial alternative to tal vez or quizás.

Question 3

Why do we need the 'a' between 'empiecen' and 'confiar'?

Accepted Answer

The verb empezar (to start or begin) is one of several Spanish verbs that always require the preposition a when they are followed by an infinitive. So, "to start trusting" must be empezar a confiar, not just empezar confiar.

Question 4

Why is it 'confiar en' instead of just 'confiar' their instinct?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, the verb confiar (to trust) requires the preposition en when you are stating who or what is being trusted. While in English we say "trust your instinct," the Spanish structure literally translates closer to "trust in your instinct" (confiar en su instinto).

Capaz que empiecen a confiar en su instinto.

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