en vez de
/em ˈbeθ de/
The English phrase "rather than" is expressed in Spanish as en vez de.
en vez de is used to indicate that one thing is chosen or happens instead of another.
Which one should you use?
A common synonym for en vez de is en lugar de, which means "instead of" and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. While más que can also be used to express "rather than", it is often used for comparisons of degree rather than substitution.
How do you pronounce it?
/em ˈbeθ de/
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', meaning 'the other way around'.
- The word vez is used in several common Spanish idioms that have nothing to do with substitution, such as a veces for 'sometimes' and de vez en cuando for 'once in a while'.
- In formal Spanish writing, authors often prefer en lugar de over en vez de when suggesting that one thing is physically occupying the space or position of another.
Examples in context
- ¡En vez de llorar, deberías actuar!Rather than cry, you should take action!This example shows how to use en vez de when suggesting an action instead of an emotional reaction.Tatoeba #2152479 by hayastan, translation #2151931 by erikspen
- Su rostro refleja indignación y tristeza en vez de ira.Her face reflects disgust and sadness, rather than anger.This sentence uses en vez de to contrast one emotion with others.Tatoeba #1342179 by marcelostockle, translation #619830 by ulyssemc1
- Tom eligió pasar las Navidades con Mary en vez de con su familia.Tom chose to spend Christmas with Mary rather than with his family.This sentence demonstrates using en vez de to show a choice of company over another.Tatoeba #5684135 by arh, translation #5681160 by CK
- Preferiría estudiar en lugar de salirI would rather study rather than go out
- Prefiero disfrutar del paisaje antes que viajar rápidamenteI would rather enjoy the scenery rather than travel quickly
- Prefiero ver una película en vez de salir de fiestaI would rather watch a movie rather than go partying
- Mejor vamos en lugar de quedarnos aquíWe better go rather than staying here
- Prefiero leer libros en lugar de mirar televisiónI would rather read books rather than watch television
- Prefiero viajar en tren en lugar de en avión.I would rather travel by train rather than by plane.
- En lugar de comer pizza, prefiero comer sushi.Rather than eating pizza, I prefer eating sushi.
- Mejor vamos al cine en vez de ir al concierto.We better go to the movies rather than going to the concert.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- Daniel¿Quieres comer pizza?Do you want to eat pizza?
- LucíaNo, prefiero comer pasta en vez de pizza.No, I prefer to eat pasta rather than pizza.
- DanielEstá bien, busquemos un restaurante italiano.That's fine, let's look for an Italian restaurant.
- Lucía¡Perfecto, me encanta la pasta!Perfect, I love pasta!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en vez de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, vez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
