a la vez
/a la ˈbeθ/
In Spanish, "at a time" is expressed as a la vez.
The phrase is used to describe actions occurring in a continuous period. While it translates to "at a time" in English, it more precisely conveys the meaning of "simultaneously" or "at the same time".
Meaning: in a continuous period (prep_phrase)
Which one should you use?
Adding que to the phrase creates a conjunction used to link two simultaneous actions, similar to "while" or "at the same time as".
How do you pronounce it?
/a la ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The word vez is actually a distant relative of the English word 'vice' as in 'vice president', because both stem from the Latin 'vicis' meaning 'turn' or 'change'.
- Spanish uses two different words for 'time'. Tiempo refers to duration or measurement and vez refers to a specific occurrence or instance.
- To say 'one at a time' in a sequence, Spanish uses uno a la vez, treating the concept as a 'turn' rather than a unit of measurement.
Examples in context
- No intentes hacer dos cosas a la vez.Don't try to do two things at a time.This sentence shows how to use a la vez when discussing doing multiple things simultaneously.Tatoeba #496764 by Shishir, translation #27470 by CM
- No puedo responder tantas preguntas a la vez.I cannot answer so many questions at a time.This sentence demonstrates using a la vez to describe the inability to handle multiple tasks at once.Tatoeba #2223755 by marcelostockle, translation #27482 by CK
- Un imán puede alcanzar y sostener muchos clavos a la vez.A magnet can pick up and hold many nails at a time.This sentence illustrates how a la vez describes a single action affecting multiple objects at once.Tatoeba #1426199 by marcelostockle, translation #681409 by Source_VOA
- Los invitados llegaron al evento a la vez.The guests arrived at the event simultaneously.
- Los proyectos fueron presentados al mismo tiempo.The projects were presented simultaneously.
- Debemos resolver múltiples tareas al mismo tiempo.We must tackle multiple tasks at the same time.
- Vamos a comer todos juntos a la vez.We're going to eat all together at the same time.
- Mis amigos y yo reímos a la vez.My friends and I laughed at the same time.
- Ordena toda la compra de una vez.Order the entire shopping list at once.
- Termina tus tareas de una vez para poder descansar.Finish your tasks all at once to be able to rest.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are organizing heavy boxes in a room.
- Lucía¿Cuántas cajas puedes subir a la vez, Javier?How many boxes can you carry at a time, Javier?
- JavierSolo puedo llevar dos a la vez.I can only carry two at a time.
- LucíaEstá bien, yo te ayudo con las otras.That's fine, I will help you with the others.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, así terminaremos más rápido.Thanks, Lucía, that way we will finish faster.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at a time” translations and entries a la vez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, la, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
