a veces
/a ˈbeθes/
The English word "sometimes" can be translated into Spanish using several forms, the most common being a veces. Wiktionary also lists algunas veces and a las [de] veces.
Meaning: on certain occasions, but not always (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a veces | /a ˈbeθes/ /a ˈbeses/ |
| algunas veces | /alˌɡunas ˈbeθes/ /alˌɡunas ˈbeses/ |
| a las [de] veces | |
| 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/ |
A veces is used to describe things that happen on certain occasions, but not always. It can be placed at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence without changing the fundamental meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a veces literally translates to "at times".
Which one should you use?
While a veces and algunas veces are synonymous, algunas veces emphasizes specific instances. The phrase de vez en cuando is often used to imply a greater sense of irregularity or a lower frequency than a veces.
How does it change in a sentence?
Algunas veces serves as a synonymous alternative to a veces.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈbeθes/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Eso pasa a veces.That happens sometimes.This sentence shows how to use a veces to describe an event happening occasionally.Tatoeba #9564678 by dpcossio, translation #1476456 by Spamster
- A veces la extraño.Sometimes I still miss her.This sentence illustrates using a veces to express a recurring feeling.Tatoeba #2139136 by hayastan, translation #1230459 by alec
- Sí, sucede a veces.Yes, it happens sometimes.This sentence demonstrates a conversational way to confirm that something happens occasionally using a veces.Tatoeba #6881919 by diegohn, translation #1723507 by belgavox
- A veces, llueve de manera impredecible en esta región.Sometimes, it rains unpredictably in this region.
- En ocasiones, es difícil tomar decisiones importantes.Sometimes, it is difficult to make important decisions.
- De vez en cuando, me gusta tomar café con leche.From time to time, I like to drink coffee with milk.
- A ratos, mi hermana es muy temperamental.At times, my sister is very temperamental.
- 416 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their exercise routines.
- Javier¿Vas al gimnasio todos los días?Do you go to the gym every day?
- ElenaNo, solo voy a veces.No, I only go sometimes.
- JavierYo también entreno a veces por la mañana.I also train sometimes in the morning.
- ElenaEs bueno para la salud.It is good for your health.
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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a veces, de, la, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
