vez

/bes/

A person's finger pointing to the first of three simple icons on a list, signifying the first time or instance.

Here, 'vez' acts like a counter for experiences. 'Una vez' means one time, 'dos veces' means two times, and so on.

vez (Noun)

fA1

time?as in 'one time', 'next time'

Also:occasion?a specific instance,instance?a case or example

📝 In Action

Había una vez un rey...

Once upon a time there was a king...

He leído este libro tres veces.

I have read this book three times.

La próxima vez, lo haré mejor.

Next time, I will do it better.

A veces prefiero quedarme en casa.

Sometimes I prefer to stay at home.

Related Words

Synonyms

ocasión (occasion)
instancia (instance)

Common Collocations

una vez – one time / once
otra vez – again / another time
a la vez – at the same time
de vez en cuando – from time to time / occasionally
tal vez – maybe / perhaps

Idioms & Expressions

Érase una vez – The classic fairytale opening, just like 'Once upon a time'.
De una vez por todas – To do something decisively to end a problem for good.

💡 Grammar Points

Counting with 'Vez'

Unlike the English word 'time', 'vez' is used for counting how many times something happens. Use 'una vez' for 'one time', not 'un vez', because 'vez' is a feminine word.

❌ Common Pitfalls

'Tiempo' vs. 'Vez'

Mistake: "Using 'tiempo' to count occurrences, like 'tres tiempos'."

Correction: Use 'vez' for counting instances ('tres veces'). Use 'tiempo' for the general concept of time, like 'No tengo tiempo' (I don't have time).

⭐ Usage Tips

Starting Stories

The phrase 'Había una vez...' is the classic way to begin a fairytale in Spanish, just like 'Once upon a time...' in English.

Three people in a line, with the person at the front holding a board game piece, indicating it is their turn to play.

In this sense, 'vez' means it's your specific moment or opportunity to do something, like in a game or a queue.

vez (Noun)

fB1

turn?in a game or queue

Also:opportunity?a chance to do something

📝 In Action

¿De quién es la vez?

Whose turn is it?

Ahora es mi vez de hablar.

Now it's my turn to speak.

Espera tu vez, por favor.

Wait for your turn, please.

Related Words

Synonyms

turno (turn)
oportunidad (opportunity)

Common Collocations

ser la vez de alguien – to be someone's turn
ceder la vez – to give up one's turn

⭐ Usage Tips

'Turno' vs. 'Vez'

'Turno' and 'vez' can both mean 'turn', but 'turno' often refers to a more formal or scheduled turn, like a doctor's appointment ('tengo un turno'). 'Vez' is more common for informal situations like games or conversations.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vez

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'vez' to mean 'turn'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

a veces(sometimes) - adverb

tal vez(maybe, perhaps) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it 'una vez' and not 'un vez'?

Because the noun 'vez' is feminine in Spanish. Just like you say 'una casa' (a house), you have to say 'una vez' (one time). This applies to all numbers ending in 'one', like 'veintiuna veces' (21 times).

What's the difference between 'otra vez' and 'de nuevo'?

They both mean 'again' and are often interchangeable. 'Otra vez' is slightly more common in everyday conversation and literally means 'another time.' 'De nuevo' can sometimes sound a tiny bit more formal, meaning 'anew' or 'from the start.'