Where should I place "a veces" in a sentence?

"A veces" is flexible in its placement. It can go at the beginning ("A veces como tarde"), in the middle ("Yo a veces como tarde"), or at the end ("Como tarde a veces"). Beginning placement is the most common and sounds the most natural in most contexts.

What is the difference between "a veces" and "de vez en cuando"?

Both express occasional frequency, but "de vez en cuando" implies a slightly lower frequency — closer to "every now and then" or "from time to time" in English. "A veces" is a bit more frequent, similar to "sometimes." The difference is subtle and they are often interchangeable.

How do I distinguish between "a veces," "siempre," and "nunca"?

These three words form a frequency spectrum: "siempre" means always (100% of the time), "a veces" means sometimes (occasionally), and "nunca" means never (0% of the time). They are among the first adverbs of frequency you should learn in Spanish.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Sometimes in Spanish

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

A Veces · adverb · ah BEH-sehs

"A veces" is the standard way to say sometimes in Spanish. It is a two-word adverbial phrase that can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Unlike English, where "sometimes" is a single word, Spanish uses the preposition "a" plus the plural noun "veces" (times) to form this expression.

ah BEH-sehs

A veces prefiero quedarme en casa y leer un buen libro.

Sometimes I prefer to stay home and read a good book.

Sometimes in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for sometimes, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
a veces	sometimes	ah BEH-sehs	Default, widely understood
algunas veces	sometimes		slightly more formal or emphatic synonym
de vez en cuando	sometimes		means from time to time, slightly less frequent
en ocasiones	sometimes		formal register, common in writing

How Native Speakers Use A Veces

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Describing a habit

A veces cocino para toda la familia los domingos.

Sometimes I cook for the whole family on Sundays.

"A veces" at the beginning of the sentence is the most common placement, just like "sometimes" in English.

Expressing mixed feelings

Me gusta mi trabajo, pero a veces me siento agotado.

I like my job, but sometimes I feel exhausted.

"A veces" in the middle of the sentence connects two contrasting ideas naturally.

Talking about weather

En primavera llueve a veces por la tarde.

In spring it sometimes rains in the afternoon.

When placed after the verb, "a veces" emphasizes the occasional nature of the action.

Sharing a preference

A veces es mejor no decir nada y simplemente escuchar.

Sometimes it is better to say nothing and simply listen.

"Es mejor + infinitive" is a useful structure for expressing what is better or best to do.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using A Veces

Forgetting the preposition

Incorrect: Veces salgo a caminar por la noche.

Correct: A veces salgo a caminar por la noche.

"A veces" requires the preposition "a" before "veces." Without it, the phrase is incomplete and does not make grammatical sense.

Using singular instead of plural

Incorrect: A vez me duele la cabeza.

Correct: A veces me duele la cabeza.

The expression always uses the plural "veces," never the singular "vez." The singular form appears in other expressions like "una vez" (once) or "tal vez" (perhaps), but "a veces" is always plural.

Lock in Sometimes Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See A Veces used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using a veces in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear A veces prefiero quedarme en casa y leer un buen libro. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

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Common Questions About Sometimes in Spanish

Where should I place "a veces" in a sentence?: "A veces" is flexible in its placement. It can go at the beginning ("A veces como tarde"), in the middle ("Yo a veces como tarde"), or at the end ("Como tarde a veces"). Beginning placement is the most common and sounds the most natural in most contexts.
What is the difference between "a veces" and "de vez en cuando"?: Both express occasional frequency, but "de vez en cuando" implies a slightly lower frequency — closer to "every now and then" or "from time to time" in English. "A veces" is a bit more frequent, similar to "sometimes." The difference is subtle and they are often interchangeable.
How do I distinguish between "a veces," "siempre," and "nunca"?: These three words form a frequency spectrum: "siempre" means always (100% of the time), "a veces" means sometimes (occasionally), and "nunca" means never (0% of the time). They are among the first adverbs of frequency you should learn in Spanish.