a veces
Lemma: a veces
Translation: sometimes; occasionally; at times; now and then (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: The phrase 'a veces' comes from the preposition 'a' (at, to) and the plural form of 'vez' (time, occasion). 'Vez' derives from Latin 'vicem' (turn, alternation, change), which is also the root of English words like 'vicissitude' (a change of circumstances). The construction literally means 'at times' and conveys the idea of something happening intermittently rather than consistently.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'veces' as 'instances' or 'occasions' - 'a veces' means 'at instances'
- Connect it to the English phrase 'at times' which has the same meaning and similar construction
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common temporal expression in Spanish used across all Spanish-speaking countries. It's neutral in register and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'A veces' means 'sometimes' (indicating frequency), while 'a la vez' means 'at the same time' (indicating simultaneity).
Notes: The key difference is that 'a veces' refers to occasional occurrences across time, while 'a la vez' refers to simultaneous actions.
Mnemonic: 'Veces' (plural) suggests multiple separate occasions, while 'vez' (singular) in 'a la vez' suggests a single moment.
Explanation: 'A veces' means 'sometimes' (certainty about occasional occurrence), while 'tal vez' means 'perhaps' or 'maybe' (uncertainty about any occurrence).
Confused word:
Tal vez vayamos a la playa este fin de semana.
Perhaps we'll go to the beach this weekend.
Notes: 'A veces' describes a pattern that definitely happens occasionally, while 'tal vez' expresses uncertainty about whether something will happen at all.
Mnemonic: Think of 'tal vez' as 'such (an) instance' - suggesting possibility, while 'a veces' is 'at instances' - suggesting certainty about occasional events.