Meaning
Occasionally; not very often.
Cultural Background
Brazilians use this phrase to be polite. If you ask someone to do something they don't really want to do regularly, they might say they do it 'de vez em quando' to avoid saying 'no'. In Portugal, the phrase is used exactly as in Brazil, but you will also find 'de quando em vez' in newspapers and books, which sounds more sophisticated. The phrase is essential for the 'small talk' culture in Portuguese-speaking countries, where discussing habits is a common icebreaker.
Sentence Placement
Put it at the end of your sentence to sound more like a native speaker during casual chats.
Don't drop the 'De'
Always start with 'De'. Saying just 'vez em quando' is a common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Occasionally; not very often.
Sentence Placement
Put it at the end of your sentence to sound more like a native speaker during casual chats.
Don't drop the 'De'
Always start with 'De'. Saying just 'vez em quando' is a common beginner mistake.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Eu como chocolate ________.
The context implies an occasional habit.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The phrase must start with 'De' and the verb must agree with 'Eu'.
Match the Portuguese phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Basic frequency vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você vai à academia todos os dias? B: Não, eu vou só ________.
The response contrasts 'every day' with 'occasionally'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Frequency Spectrum
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu como chocolate ________.
The context implies an occasional habit.
Select the correct option:
The phrase must start with 'De' and the verb must agree with 'Eu'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic frequency vocabulary matching.
A: Você vai à academia todos os dias? B: Não, eu vou só ________.
The response contrasts 'every day' with 'occasionally'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is very similar to 'sometimes', but 'às vezes' is the direct translation for 'sometimes'. 'De vez em quando' is closer to 'occasionally'.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, though 'ocasionalmente' is a more formal alternative.
No, it is an adverbial phrase and remains 'de vez em quando' regardless of the speaker's gender.
Related Phrases
Às vezes
synonymSometimes
Raramente
contrastRarely
Vez ou outra
similarOne time or another
