de vez em quando — meaning in English: sometimes

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for sometimes

quimera

de vez em quando

confiança

ser

irrefutável

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Portuguese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

informal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'de vez em quando' in casual conversations to describe infrequent actions, such as meeting friends for coffee or watching movies. It's common in everyday settings, like chatting with colleagues at work or discussing weekend plans with family.

Synonyms & nuances

'De vez em quando' is often compared to 'às vezes', which also means 'sometimes'. However, 'de vez em quando' carries a slightly more casual tone and suggests a less frequent occurrence, making it a go-to for informal discussions.

Culture

'De vez em quando' reflects the Portuguese tendency to embrace moderation and balance, often used to indicate a relaxed approach to life. Interestingly, the phrase's literal translation is 'from time to time,' which echoes the human experience of enjoying spontaneity without the pressure of commitment.

FAQ

Q.What does 'de vez em quando' mean in English?

'De vez em quando' translates to 'sometimes' in English, indicating an event that occurs occasionally but not regularly.

Q.How do I use 'de vez em quando' in a sentence?

You can use 'de vez em quando' when you want to express that something happens occasionally, such as 'Eu vou ao cinema de vez em quando,' which means 'I go to the movies sometimes.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'de vez em quando'?

One common mistake is confusing 'de vez em quando' with 'sempre,' which means 'always.' Remember, 'de vez em quando' signifies infrequency, while 'sempre' indicates something that happens all the time.

Learn portuguese with Maspeak →

Portuguese Vocabulary