veces
/ˈbeθes/
In Spanish, 'times' is translated as veces.
The word veces is used when counting occurrences, such as saying 'three times'.
Meaning: multiplied by (prep)
Which one should you use?
While veces is used to count occurrences, it is not used for mathematical multiplication. To say 'multiplied by' in a math expression (for example, 'two times two'), you should use por instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
veces is the plural form of the feminine noun vez, which means 'time' in the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbeθes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use veces to mean 'multiplied by' in mathematical contexts. Use por instead.
Did you know?
- The word vez is a cognate of the English word 'vice' in the sense of a 'turn' or 'change', as both derive from the Latin 'vicis'.
- While por is used for mathematical multiplication, the phrase veces más is used to express a ratio, such as 'three times larger'.
- When using veces to describe a frequency, Spanish often uses the structure tantas veces, which can imply an annoying or excessive amount of repetition.
Examples in context
- La vi tres veces.I have seen her three times.This sentence shows how to use veces to express how many times someone has been seen.Tatoeba #2058846 by Shishir, translation #308645 by CK
- Lo vi muchas veces.I have seen him many times.This sentence demonstrates the use of veces with the word 'many'.Tatoeba #1797616 by hayastan, translation #284754 by CK
- Lo vi varias veces.I've seen him several times.This sentence illustrates how to use veces with the word 'several'.Tatoeba #12442071 by emma_zunz, translation #12440683 by nana2capriccio
- Son las nueve y diez de la mañana.It is nine ten in the morning.
- Es la una menos cuarto.It is a quarter to one.
- Son las tres y veinte de la tarde.It is three twenty in the afternoon.
- Son las nueve menos cinco de la noche.It is five minutes to nine at night.
- Son las diez y cuarto.It is ten fifteen.
- Es la una y media.It is one thirty.
- Son las dos menos veinte.It is twenty minutes to two.
- 404 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a recipe.
- MateoTengo que hacer la receta dos veces.I have to make the recipe two times.
- Lucía¿Para cuántas personas es?How many people is it for?
- MateoEs para diez personas, Lucía.It is for ten people, Lucía.
- LucíaEntonces necesitas más ingredientes.Then you need more ingredients.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry veces, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
