Translating “May” to Spanish

Translating â€Å"May† to Spanish The English auxiliary verb may is commonly used in at least three different ways, and each of them is translated to Spanish differently: When ‘May’ Expresses Possibility Probably the most common use of may is to express possibility. In this way, the meaning is often roughly the same as the auxiliary verb might. This can be translated in different ways, but typically the Spanish would require the use of a verb in the subjunctive mood. Note how there is no single word in the following sample sentences that means may. The sentence in parentheses following the Spanish translation is a literal translation of the Spanish and should have roughly the same meaning as the original English sentence. They may make a new version of the book. (Es posible que hagan una nueva versià ³n del libro. It is possible that they will make a new version of the book.)She may be pregnant. (Es posible que està © embarazada. It is possible that she is pregnant.)There may be more than one for each person. (Tal vez haya ms de una para cada persona. Perhaps there is more than one for each person.)We may go to Cozumel for our honeymoon. (Posiblemente vayamos a pasar nuestra luna de miel a Cozumel. Possibly we will go to spend our honeymoon in Cozumel.)There may be 50 million of us in 2015. (Quiz seamos 50 millones en 2015. Maybe we will be 50 million in 2015.)She may not leave. (Puede que no salga. It can be that she doesnt leave.) A key, then, when translating to Spanish is to think of an alternative way to get the idea of may across. You can find other ways of translating this usage of may in this lesson on translating maybe. Note that in most cases there are several translations that would work, so your choice often will depend on context and the tone of voice you wish to use. When ‘May’ Is Used Used for Asking Permission May is commonly used when seeking permission to perform such action, or when giving permission. Generally, the verb poder gets the idea across well: May I go to the concert tonight? ( ¿Puedo ir al concierto esta noche?)Yes, you may go. (Sà ­, puedes ir.)May we get more information about our account? ( ¿Podemos obtener otra informacià ³n sobre nuestra cuenta?)If you have any questions, you may call me. (Si tienes preguntas, puedes llamarme.) Although in formal English speech a distinction is sometimes made between may and can, there is no need to make such a distinction in Spanish, as poder functions for both meanings. The verb permitir can also be used: May I smoke? ( ¿Me permite fumar? Literally, am I permitted to smoke?)May I visit the house? ( ¿Me permitieron ustedes visitar la casa?)May I leave tonight? (Me permites salir esta noche.) When ‘May’ Expresses Desire Although not especially common, may can be used to express a wish or desire. Sentences with that usage typically can be translated to a sentence beginning with que followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood: May he rest in peace. (Que en paz descanse.)May you live for many more years. (Que vivas muchos aà ±os ms.)May you have many more years of life! ( ¡Que tengas muchos aà ±os ms de vida!) Sentences such as these can also be translated using ojal que. May it rain tomorrow. (Ojal que llueva maà ±ana.)May you have many children. (Ojal que tengas muchos hijos.) ‘May’ in Sayings Some set phrases have meanings that often cant be translated word for word and need to be learned individually: Be that as it may. (Aunque asà ­ sea.)Come what may. (Pase lo que pase.)Devil-may-care attitude. (Actitud arriesgada/temeraria.)May I help you? ( ¿En quà © puedo servirle?)We may as well study. (Ms vale que estudiemos.) The Month of May The Spanish word for the month of May is mayo. Note that in Spanish the names of the months  arent capitalized. Key Takeaways When may is used to indicate that something is possible, the translation often uses the subjunctive mood.When may is used for seeking permission, it can often be translated using a form of the verb poder or permitir.When may is used to express some types of desire, it can often be translated using a sentence that begins with que or ojal que and is followed by a subjunctive verb.