una vez
/ˌuna ˈbeθ/
The English phrase 'one time' is translated into Spanish as una vez.
una vez is used to refer to a single occurrence of an event. Depending on the context, it can be translated as both 'one time' and 'once'. If you wish to use the phrase as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'once [something happens]', you should use una vez que.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of una (one) and vez (time/occurrence).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'a few times' or 'several times', change the singular una vez to the plural unas veces.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌuna ˈbeθ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish vez shares its roots with the English word 'vice', through the Latin 'vicis' which implies a change or a turning.
- In traditional Spanish fairy tales, the equivalent of 'once upon a time' is Érase una vez, which uses an archaic impersonal form of the verb 'to be'.
- While una vez means 'one time', the phrase de una vez is often used as an idiom meaning 'all at once' or 'finally'.
Examples in context
- Yo he estado una vez en Canadá.I've been to Canada one time.The sentence is useful for showing how to use una vez to describe a past experience.Tatoeba #1224602 by marcelostockle, translation #1224577 by CC
- Una vez un pájaro multicolor vio a un elefante joven.One time a bird of many colors saw a young elephant.The sentence shows how to use una vez to start a narrative.Tatoeba #2951384 by emigonza, translation #12228671 by Miktsoanit
- Tom está casado con Mary ahora, pero una vez estuvo casado con Alice.Tom is married to Mary now, but at one time he was married to Alice.The sentence illustrates how to use una vez to refer to a single period in the past.Tatoeba #1213840 by marcelostockle, translation #1211998 by CK
- Asistí a una conferencia de negocios en una ocasión.I attended a business conference one time.
- Fui a París una sola vez y quedé maravillado.I went to Paris one time and I was amazed.
- El presidente de la compañía se reúne con los empleados únicamente una vez al año.The company's president meets with the employees only one time per year.
- Salí con Juan una vez y no me agradó.I went out with Juan one time and I didn't like him.
- Probé la comida picante solo una vez y no repetiré el experimento.I tried spicy food one time only, and I won't repeat the experiment.
- Mi equipo favorito ganó el campeonato únicamente una sola vez en toda su historia.My favorite team won the championship only one time in its entire history.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about their travel experiences.
- MateoSolo fui a París una vez.I only went to Paris one time.
- LucíaQué pena, es una ciudad hermosa.That's a shame, it's a beautiful city.
- MateoSí, pero quiero volver una vez más.Yes, but I want to go back one more time.
- LucíaEntonces deberías comprar un vuelo pronto.Then you should buy a flight soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry una vez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries una, una vez, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
