en vez de
Lemma Details
Translation: instead of; in place of; rather than
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: This prepositional phrase comes from 'en' (in) + 'vez' (time, turn, occasion) + 'de' (of). The noun 'vez' derives from Latin 'vicem' (accusative of 'vicis'), meaning 'change', 'alternation', or 'succession'. The phrase literally means 'in the turn/place of', which evolved to mean 'instead of'. The English word 'vicarious' (experiencing through another) shares the same Latin root.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vez' as 'vice' (as in vice president, who stands in for the president) to remember it means 'instead of'
- Imagine someone taking their 'vez' (turn) in place of someone else
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common prepositional phrase used in everyday Spanish across all Spanish-speaking countries. It's neutral in register and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'instead of' and are essentially interchangeable in most contexts, though 'en lugar de' literally refers to 'in the place of' while 'en vez de' refers more to 'in the turn of'.
This word:
Vamos al cine en vez de quedarnos en casa.
Let's go to the movies instead of staying home.
Confused word:
Vamos al cine en lugar de quedarnos en casa.
Let's go to the movies instead of staying home.
Notes: These phrases are so similar that native speakers use them interchangeably in most contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Vez' relates to 'time/turn' while 'lugar' means 'place' - both indicate substitution but with slightly different imagery.
Explanation: 'En vez de' means 'instead of' (simple substitution) while 'a cambio de' means 'in exchange for' (implying a trade or reciprocal action).
Confused word:
Te doy mi libro a cambio de tu ayuda.
I'll give you my book in exchange for your help.
Notes: 'En vez de' is about replacement, while 'a cambio de' implies a transaction or trade.
Mnemonic: Think of 'cambio' as 'exchange' (like money exchange) - it involves getting something back.