de vez en cuando
Lemma Details
Translation: from time to time; occasionally; once in a while; sometimes
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This Spanish adverbial phrase is composed of several elements: 'de' (from), 'vez' (time, occasion), 'en' (in), and 'cuando' (when). The word 'vez' comes from Latin 'vicem' (turn, alternation, change), which gives the phrase its sense of intermittent occurrence. The construction literally means 'from time in when', conveying the idea of something happening at irregular intervals.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vez' as 'time' and imagine doing something 'from time to when' it feels right.
- Picture a calendar where you occasionally circle random dates - these are the times when something happens 'de vez en cuando'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common expression in everyday Spanish conversation. It's used across all Spanish-speaking countries and in all contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'sometimes', 'de vez en cuando' suggests more irregularity and less frequency than 'a veces'. 'A veces' implies something happens with some regularity, while 'de vez en cuando' suggests more sporadic occurrences.
This word:
De vez en cuando vamos a la playa en invierno.
Once in a while we go to the beach in winter.
Confused word:
A veces llueve en verano.
Sometimes it rains in summer.
Notes: 'De vez en cuando' often implies something happens rarely but regularly, while 'a veces' simply states that something happens sometimes without emphasizing its irregularity.
Mnemonic: 'De vez en cuando' is longer and more complex, suggesting more time between occurrences; 'a veces' is shorter and simpler, suggesting more frequent occurrences.
Explanation: These phrases are nearly identical in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. 'De cuando en cuando' might sound slightly more formal or literary in some contexts.
Confused word:
De cuando en cuando pienso en mi infancia.
From time to time I think about my childhood.
Notes: In most everyday contexts, these phrases are interchangeable, though 'de vez en cuando' is more commonly used in conversation.
Mnemonic: Both phrases contain 'cuando' (when), but 'de vez en cuando' includes 'vez' (time/occasion), emphasizing the occasional nature.