Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a veces | /a ˈbeθes/ /a ˈbeses/ |
| algunas veces | /alˌɡunas ˈbeθes/ /alˌɡunas ˈbeses/ |
| a las [de] veces | /a las de ˈbeθes/ (word by word) |
| a la de veces | /a la de beθes/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /a la de beses/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| de vez en cuando | /de ˌbeθ en ˈkwando/ /de ˌbes en ˈkwando/ |
The phrase a veces is used to describe things that happen on certain occasions but not always. Much like in English, you can place a veces at the beginning or the end of a sentence without changing the core meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a veces is composed of the preposition a (at/to) and the plural noun veces (times), literally meaning 'at times'.
Which one should you use?
While a veces is the standard way to say 'sometimes', you may also see algunas veces, which conveys the same idea of 'some times'. Additionally, de vez en cuando is another way to express this concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Argentina or Uruguay, algunas veces can be used interchangeably with a veces to convey the idea of 'sometimes'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pack provides the following forms: a veces, algunas veces, a las [de] veces, a la de veces and de vez en cuando.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈbeθes/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a distinct word for 'time' when referring to a specific occasion, vez, which is separate from the word for chronological time, tiempo.
- The word veces comes from the Vulgar Latin ad vicēs, which refers to things happening in turns or succession.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, adding a veces to a sentence can act as a 'social cushion' to make a statement sound less blunt or harsh.
Examples in context
- Eso pasa a veces.That happens sometimes.This sentence shows the placement of a veces at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #9564678 by dpcossio, translation #1476456 by Spamster
- A veces la extraño.Sometimes I still miss her.This sentence shows the placement of a veces at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #2139136 by hayastan, translation #1230459 by alec
- Sí, sucede a veces.Yes, it happens sometimes.Tatoeba #6881919 by diegohn, translation #1723507 by belgavox
- Trabajo a veces los fines de semana.I work sometimes on weekends.
- Viajo a veces por negocios.I travel sometimes for business.
- De vez en cuando, necesito un descanso.Sometimes, I need a break.
- Me gusta el cine, pero a veces sí, a veces no.I like going to the movies, but sometimes yes, sometimes no.
- Salgo con mis amigos a ratos.I hang out with my friends sometimes/occasionally.
- Algunas veces, olvido dónde puse las llaves.Sometimes, I forget where I put my keys.
- 416 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their weekly routines.
- Javier¿Vas al gimnasio todos los días?Do you go to the gym every day?
- LucíaNo, a veces voy por la tarde.No, sometimes I go in the afternoon.
- JavierEntiendo, yo también entreno a veces.I understand, I also train sometimes.
- Lucía¡Qué bueno, Javier!That's good, Javier!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sometimes” translations and entries a veces, algunas veces, de vez en cuando, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (a, las, de, veces) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a veces, de, la, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
