otra vez
Lemma Details
Translation: again; once more; one more time
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: Composed of 'otra' (other, another) from Latin 'altera' (feminine form of 'alter' meaning 'other') and 'vez' (time, occasion) from Latin 'vicem' (accusative of 'vicis' meaning 'change, alternation, succession'). The phrase literally means 'another time' but functions as the English 'again'.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'otra' as 'other' and 'vez' as 'time' = 'another time' = 'again'
- Visualize a clock turning back to repeat an hour - 'otra vez' (another time around)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is an extremely common phrase in everyday Spanish conversation. It's used in all Spanish-speaking countries and across all social contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'again', 'otra vez' literally means 'another time' while 'de nuevo' means 'anew' or 'from new'. They are generally interchangeable but 'de nuevo' can sometimes imply starting from the beginning.
Notes: Both phrases are extremely common and often interchangeable in everyday speech.
Mnemonic: 'Otra vez' = 'another time'; 'de nuevo' = 'from new'
Explanation: 'Otra vez' means 'again' (one more time), while 'a veces' means 'sometimes' (occasionally). They look similar because both contain 'vez/veces' (time/times).
This word:
Lo haré otra vez.
I'll do it again.
Confused word:
A veces voy al cine.
Sometimes I go to the movies.
Notes: The plural 'veces' in 'a veces' indicates multiple, occasional instances rather than a single repetition.
Mnemonic: 'Otra vez' has 'otra' (another) = one more time; 'a veces' has 'veces' (plural of 'vez') = multiple occasions