de vez en cuando
/de ˌbeθ en ˈkwando/
The English phrase 'occasionally' can be translated into Spanish as de vez en cuando, ocasionalmente or a veces.
Meaning: at relatively infrequent intervals (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de vez en cuando | /de ˌbeθ en ˈkwando/ /de ˌbes en ˈkwando/ |
| ocasionalmente | /okasjoˌnalˈmente/ |
| a veces | /a ˈbeθes/ /a ˈbeses/ |
All these forms are used to describe actions that happen at relatively infrequent intervals.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the colloquial phrase a ratos is used to describe something that happens from time to time.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˌbeθ en ˈkwando/
Did you know?
- The root of ocasionalmente can be traced back to the Latin cadō, which means 'to fall'.
Examples in context
- Ellos me visitaban de vez en cuando.They visited me occasionally.This sentence shows how to use de vez en cuando to describe visiting someone.Tatoeba #1406627 by marcelostockle, translation #306762 by CK
- A Tom no le importa ayudar ocasionalmente a Mary.Tom doesn't mind helping Mary occasionally.This sentence demonstrates the use of ocasionalmente regarding helping someone.Tatoeba #1333203 by Shishir, translation #1029050 by CK
- Los profesores deberían permitir a sus estudiantes desahogarse ocasionalmente.Teachers should occasionally let their students blow off some steam.This sentence illustrates ocasionalmente in the context of letting students blow off steam.Tatoeba #1593295 by teskmon, translation #19062 by ilingualbay
- Viajo a Madrid de vez en cuando por trabajo.I travel to Madrid occasionally for work.
- La empresa realiza exámenes de rendimiento ocasionalmente.The company conducts performance evaluations occasionally.
- A veces es necesario hacer sacrificios por el bien común.Sometimes, it is necessary to make sacrifices for the common good.
- Salgo a caminar de vez en cuando para despejar la mente.I go for a walk occasionally to clear my mind.
- Mi hermano toca la guitarra a ratos.My brother plays the guitar occasionally.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their eating habits at a cafe.
- JavierYo como carne de vez en cuando.I eat meat occasionally.
- Lucía¿De verdad, Javier?Really, Javier?
- JavierSí, solo de vez en cuando.Yes, only occasionally.
- LucíaEntiendo, yo soy vegetariana.I understand, I am a vegetarian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “occasionally” translations and entries de vez en cuando, ocasionalmente, a veces, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a veces, cuando, de, en, ocasionalmente, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
