un día a la vez
/un dia a la beθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "one day at a time" is translated into Spanish as un día a la vez.
This phrase is used in Spanish in the same way it is used in English, often as a mantra or piece of advice for someone dealing with stress, grief or recovery. It suggests focusing on the present day instead of worrying about the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (one), día (day), a (at/to) and la vez (the time/the instance).
Did you know?
- The word vez comes from the Latin 'vicis', which refers to a change or alternation. This is the same root that gives English the word 'vice versa'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of taking things 'one day at a time' is closely linked to the phrase poco a poco, meaning 'little by little'. This emphasizes patience and gradual progress over simply surviving the day.
- While un día a la vez is a common translation, Spanish speakers also use the expression día a día to describe a slow or gradual process. This phrase emphasizes the routine rather than a coping strategy.
Examples in context
- Después de perder a su esposo, Ana aprendió a vivir día a día.After losing her husband, Ana learned to live one day at a time.
- No te preocupes por el futuro, vive un día a la vez.Don't worry about the future, live one day at a time.
- Hay que vivir un día a la vez.One must live one day at a time.
- No te preocupes tanto, vive un día a la vez.Don't worry so much, live one day at a time.
- Lo importante es ir un día a la vez.The important thing is to go one day at a time.
Example conversation
Elena is feeling overwhelmed by her new job and Alejandro is comforting her.
- AlejandroTranquila, Elena, ve un día a la vez.Calm down, Elena, take it one day at a time.
- ElenaEs que todo parece muy difícil ahora.It's just that everything seems very difficult right now.
- AlejandroYa verás que pronto te acostumbrarás.You'll see that you'll get used to it soon.
- ElenaTienes razón, gracias por el consejo.You are right, thanks for the advice.
