Inklingo

How to Say "instance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caso

/KA-so//ˈkaso/

NounA2General
Use 'caso' when referring to a specific situation, occurrence, or case that serves as an example or a reason for a particular action or decision.
A single, specific moment highlighted by a spotlight, representing one particular instance or situation.

Examples

En ese caso, es mejor no decir nada.

In that case, it's better not to say anything.

Este es un caso muy común en estudiantes de español.

This is a very common case among Spanish students.

Te doy mi número, por si acaso.

I'll give you my number, just in case.

Using 'caso' for 'thing'

Mistake: “Voy a comprar un caso para la cocina.”

Correction: Voy a comprar una cosa para la cocina. 'Caso' refers to a situation or instance, not a physical object. For 'thing', use 'cosa'.

ejemplo

/e-KHEM-plo//eˈxemplo/

NounA1General
Use 'ejemplo' when you need to provide a concrete illustration or a specific instance to clarify a rule, concept, or general statement.
A single, bright red apple is sitting on a simple surface, slightly separated from a large group of identical green apples in a wicker basket, demonstrating an example used to illustrate a point.

Examples

No entiendo la regla. ¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?

I don't understand the rule. Can you give me an example?

Me gustan las frutas, por ejemplo, las manzanas y las bananas.

I like fruits, for example, apples and bananas.

El libro está lleno de ejemplos prácticos.

The book is full of practical examples.

Masculine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-o' or '-a', 'ejemplo' is a masculine noun. So, you always say 'el ejemplo' (the example) or 'un ejemplo' (an example).

Using 'como' instead of 'por ejemplo'

Mistake: “Me gustan los deportes, como el fútbol.”

Correction: Me gustan los deportes, por ejemplo, el fútbol. While 'como' can mean 'like' or 'as', 'por ejemplo' is the most direct and common way to say 'for example' when listing things.

vez

/bes//beθ/

NounA1General
Use 'vez' when referring to an occurrence in time, often in phrases like 'once upon a time' or to indicate a specific occasion or instance of something happening.
A person's finger pointing to the first of three simple icons on a list, signifying the first time or instance.

Examples

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.

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.

'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).

Caso vs. Ejemplo

Learners often confuse 'caso' and 'ejemplo'. Remember that 'ejemplo' is used to illustrate a point, like a sample or a model. 'Caso' refers to a specific situation or event that might require a response or consideration.

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