otra vez
/ˌotɾa ˈbeθ/
In Spanish, 'again' can be expressed in several ways, most commonly with otra vez. Wiktionary also lists de nuevo and nuevamente.
Meaning: another time (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| otra vez | /ˌotɾa ˈbeθ/ /ˌotɾa ˈbes/ |
| de nuevo | /de ˈnwebo/ |
| nuevamente | /ˌnwebaˈmente/ |
| tornar a | /toɾnaɾ a/ (from spelling rules) |
| volver a | /bolbeɾ a/ (from spelling rules) |
All these forms translate to 'again' or 'another time'. While otra vez is a common way to denote repetition, de nuevo is frequently used to imply starting a process over from the beginning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase otra vez literally translates to 'another time'.
Which one should you use?
Nuevamente is often used in more formal or written contexts compared to the more common otra vez.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you are doing an action again, you can use the construction volver a followed by the infinitive of the verb. Alternatively, the more formal or literary way to express 'volver a' is tornar a.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌotɾa ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The phrase de nuevo is a direct relative of the Latin legal term di novo, which is still used in English law to mean 'starting from the beginning'.
- In some contexts, saying otra vez with a specific sighing intonation can function as an expression of annoyance, similar to 'here we go again'.
- Spanish uses the verb volver in volver a because it literally means 'to return', treating a repeated action as a return to that act.
Examples in context
- Es Tom otra vez.It's Tom again.This sentence identifies someone appearing once more.Tatoeba #10082728 by manufrutos, translation #10081739 by CK
- Ahí vas otra vez.There you go again.This sentence describes a repetitive action or behavior.Tatoeba #3804713 by cueyayotl, translation #32612 by CM
- Lo hizo de nuevo.He did it again.This sentence shows an action being repeated using de nuevo.Tatoeba #5041596 by don_ramon, translation #1522530 by Spamster
- ¿Puede repetir eso otra vez, por favor?Can you repeat that again, please?
- El profesor explicó el tema de nuevoThe professor explained the topic again.
- ¡Dime otra vez lo que dijiste!Tell me again what you said!
- Vamos a ver la película de nuevoLet's watch the movie again.
- ¡Hazlo una vez más!Do it one more time!
- Si no entiendes, te lo explico otra vez. Ahora bien, presta atenciónIf you don't understand, I'll explain it to you again. Well then, pay attention.
- 849 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are practicing a dance step.
- ElenaNo me salió bien el paso.I didn't get the step right.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, inténtalo otra vez.Don't worry, try it again.
- ElenaVale, mírame ahora.Okay, watch me now.
- Alejandro¡Perfecto! Ahora sí lo tienes.Perfect! Now you've got it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “again” translations and entries otra vez, de nuevo, nuevamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, de nuevo, nuevamente, nuevo, otra vez, tornar, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
