vez
Lemma Details
Translation: time; occasion; instance; turn
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'vicem' (accusative of 'vicis'), meaning 'change', 'alternation', or 'succession'. The English word 'vicissitude' (meaning a change of circumstances or fortune) shares this Latin root. The concept of 'vez' as a countable instance or occurrence evolved from the idea of something happening in succession or alternation.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es la primera vez que visito España.
It's the first time I visit Spain.
Cada vez que te veo, me pongo nervioso.
Every time I see you, I get nervous.
Esta vez lo haré mejor.
This time I'll do it better.
A veces pienso demasiado.
Sometimes I think too much.
En vez de quejarte, busca soluciones.
Instead of complaining, look for solutions.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vez' as a 'phase' or a specific instance in time - they both refer to a particular moment or occurrence.
- Associate 'vez' with the English word 'vice' (as in 'vice president') - someone who takes a turn or replaces another.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The word 'vez' is extremely common in Spanish and appears in numerous fixed expressions and idioms. It's essential for expressing frequency, sequence, and timing in everyday conversation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Vez' means 'time/instance' while 'voz' means 'voice'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Mi voz está ronca hoy.
My voice is hoarse today.
Notes: These words are frequently confused by beginners due to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Mnemonic: 'Vez' has an 'e' like 'time', while 'voz' has an 'o' like 'voice'.
Explanation: 'Vez' is a noun meaning 'time/instance', while 'ves' is a conjugated form of the verb 'ver' (to see) in the second person singular present tense.
Confused word:
¿Ves lo que quiero decir?
Do you see what I mean?
Notes: The pronunciation is different: 'vez' is pronounced with a 'th' sound in Spain (or 's' in Latin America) at the end, while 'ves' always ends with an 's' sound.
Mnemonic: 'Vez' ends with 'z' for 'zero in on a specific time', while 'ves' ends with 's' for 'see'.