a la vez
Lemma Details
Translation: at the same time; simultaneously; at once
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase is composed of three elements: the preposition 'a' (to), the definite article 'la' (the), and the noun 'vez' (time, occasion). 'Vez' comes from Latin 'vicis' meaning 'change, alternation, succession'. The phrase literally means 'at the time' but has evolved to express simultaneity.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vez' as 'time' and the phrase as 'at the time' - meaning things happening at the same moment.
- Visualize multiple actions happening on a single clock face to remember 'a la vez' means 'simultaneously'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in everyday Spanish conversation and writing to express concurrent actions or events. It's a fundamental expression for discussing timing and coordination.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'A la vez' means 'at the same time' (simultaneity), while 'a veces' means 'sometimes' (occasional occurrence).
Notes: The difference is between simultaneity ('a la vez') and frequency ('a veces').
Mnemonic: 'Vez' (singular) = one time (simultaneous actions); 'veces' (plural) = multiple times (occasional actions).
Explanation: 'A la vez' refers to simultaneity, while 'de una vez' means 'at once' in the sense of 'immediately' or 'in one go'.
Confused word:
Termina tu tarea de una vez.
Finish your homework at once.
Notes: 'De una vez' often carries a sense of finality or immediacy that 'a la vez' doesn't have.
Mnemonic: 'A la vez' = multiple things at one time; 'de una vez' = do something immediately or completely.