una y otra vez
/ˌuna i ˌotɾa ˈbeθ/
The English phrase "again and again" is translated into Spanish as una y otra vez.
Una y otra vez is used to describe something that happens many times or is repeated frequently. While otra vez simply means "again", the full phrase una y otra vez is used specifically to emphasize the repetitive, often tedious nature of the action, similar to 'again and again' or 'over and over'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "one and another time".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌuna i ˌotɾa ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe an even more obsessive or endless repetition, you can simply keep adding the word otra to the phrase. By saying una y otra y otra vez, you create a verbal loop that mimics the endlessness of the action itself.
- The word vez in this phrase is a distant relative of the English word 'vice', in the sense of 'vice versa'. Both words share a common ancestor related to the idea of 'alternation' or 'turning'.
- While una y otra vez is common in speech, writers often use the adverb repetidamente in formal contexts to avoid the colloquial tone of the phrase.
Examples in context
- Te lo dije una y otra vez.I told you again and again.This sentence shows how to use una y otra vez to describe telling someone something repeatedly.Tatoeba #1010315 by Shishir, translation #240554 by sundown
- Ella le golpeó una y otra vez.She hit him again and again.This sentence uses una y otra vez to describe hitting someone repeatedly.Tatoeba #892178 by Shishir, translation #887212 by CK
- Puedo repetirlo una y otra vez.I can repeat it again and again.This sentence demonstrates how to use una y otra vez to express the ability to repeat an action many times.Tatoeba #1712292 by teskmon, translation #1523577 by CM
- El profesor explicó el mismo concepto una y otra vez.The teacher explained the same concept again and again.
- El orador se disculpó de manera repetida durante la conferencia.The speaker apologized repeatedly during the conference.
- ¡Te dije una y otra vez que no lo hicieras!I told you again and again not to do it!
- Me repetiste eso mil veces y todavía no lo entiendo.You told me that a thousand times, and I still don't understand it.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a movie they just watched.
- Mateo¿Te gustó la película, Lucía?Did you like the movie, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, la vi una y otra vez.Yes, I watched it again and again.
- MateoA mí también me encantó.I loved it too.
- LucíaEs una historia increíble.It is an incredible story.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry una y otra vez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
