cada vez
/ˌkada ˈbeθ/
In Spanish, "every time" is translated as cada vez.
Cada vez is an adverb used to express that something occurs at each occasion that.
Meaning: at each occasion that (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cada (each) and vez (time/occurrence).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use it as a conjunction to introduce a new clause, for example, to say "every time that I go", you must add the word que to form cada vez que. Note that vez is a feminine noun, which dictates the use of the feminine form in this pairing.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkada ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The word cada was borrowed into Old Spanish from the Ancient Greek word κατά. This makes it a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'catalogue'.
- While una vez simply means 'once', adding a preposition to create de una vez transforms it into an idiom meaning 'all at once' or 'right now'.
- In poetic or emphatic contexts, Spanish speakers often replace cada vez que with siempre que, which functions more like 'whenever'.
Examples in context
- Cada vez gano menos.Every time I win less.This sentence shows the use of cada vez to describe a decreasing trend.Tatoeba #6669440 by arh, translation #8160836 by magnificentgoddess
- Cada vez llueve más.It rains more every time.This sentence uses cada vez to describe an increasing trend in rainfall.Tatoeba #7420187 by arh, translation #7900297 by shekitten
- Él sonríe cada vez que le veo.He smiles every time I see him.This sentence demonstrates how to use cada vez que as a conjunction to introduce a clause.Tatoeba #1248409 by Shishir, translation #1294066 by CK
- Cada vez que voy al médico, me pongo nervioso.Every time I go to the doctor, I get nervous.
- Mi jefe me regaña cada vez que cometo un error.My boss scolds me every time I make a mistake.
- Siempre que estudie, obtendrá buenas calificaciones.Every time you study, you will get good grades.
- Cada vez que como pizza, me siento feliz.Every time I eat pizza, I feel happy.
- Siempre me da flojera cada vez que tengo que limpiar mi habitación.I always feel lazy every time I have to clean my room.
- Todas las veces que vamos de vacaciones, nos lo pasamos genial.Every time we go on vacation, we have a great time.
- Me hace reír todas las veces que cuenta esa historia.He makes me laugh every time he tells that story.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are talking about their cooking experiences.
- SofíaQuemo la cena cada vez que cocino.I burn dinner every time I cook.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Sofía, es normal.Don't worry, Sofía, it's normal.
- SofíaPero Daniel, ¡pasa cada vez!But Daniel, it happens every time!
- DanielEntonces, yo cocinaré la próxima vez.Then, I will cook next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “every time” translations and entries cada vez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cada, cada vez, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
