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A1 adverb 9 min read

às vezes

Examples às vezes in 30 Seconds
Explanation às vezes in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'às vezes' is introduced as a basic adverb of frequency. Learners will encounter it in simple sentences describing everyday actions or states that don't happen all the time. For instance, 'Eu às vezes como fruta.' (I sometimes eat fruit.) The focus is on understanding that it means 'sometimes' and recognizing its position in very simple sentence structures, usually at the beginning or before the verb. Examples will be concrete and relate to immediate experiences like eating, sleeping, or simple activities. The goal is for learners to comprehend its meaning and start using it in basic affirmative sentences to describe their own occasional habits.
For A2 learners, 'às vezes' becomes a more integrated part of their descriptive language. They will use it to talk about their routines, hobbies, and general observations with a bit more detail. Sentences might involve more complex verb conjugations or slightly longer structures. For example, 'Ela às vezes vai à biblioteca estudar.' (She sometimes goes to the library to study.) Learners at this level are expected to understand the nuances of placement and use it to contrast with other frequency adverbs like 'sempre' (always) or 'nunca' (never). They can also use it to express occasional feelings or states, such as 'Às vezes, sinto um pouco de frio.' (Sometimes, I feel a bit cold.)
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At the B1 level, 'às vezes' is used fluidly in a wider range of contexts, including discussions about past experiences, future plans, and hypothetical situations. Learners can use it to add detail and realism to their narratives. For example, 'No verão passado, às vezes íamos à praia todos os dias, mas às vezes ficávamos em casa.' (Last summer, we sometimes went to the beach every day, but sometimes we stayed home.) They can also compare its usage with similar adverbs like 'ocasionalmente' and 'de vez em quando', understanding the subtle differences in formality and frequency. The focus is on using it to create more nuanced and natural-sounding discourse.
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B2 learners will use 'às vezes' with a high degree of accuracy and naturalness. They can employ it in more abstract discussions, expressing opinions, analyzing situations, or describing complex phenomena. For instance, 'Às vezes, a tecnologia pode dificultar a comunicação em vez de facilitá-la.' (Sometimes, technology can make communication more difficult rather than easier.) They are adept at understanding its placement in complex sentences and can use it to contrast with other adverbs of frequency to precisely convey the degree of occurrence. Its use will be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker in most contexts.
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At the C1 level, 'às vezes' is used with complete mastery, often in sophisticated and nuanced expressions. Learners can employ it in academic writing, professional communication, and literary analysis. Its usage will be characterized by its natural integration into complex sentence structures and its precise application to convey subtle shades of meaning. For example, 'Às vezes, a interpretação de um texto literário pode depender de fatores contextuais sutis que não são imediatamente aparentes.' (Sometimes, the interpretation of a literary text can depend on subtle contextual factors that are not immediately apparent.) The learner can also consciously choose 'às vezes' over other options to achieve a specific stylistic effect.
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C2 learners demonstrate absolute command over 'às vezes', using it with the same fluency and idiomaticity as a native speaker. They can manipulate its placement and context for rhetorical effect, understanding its full range of connotations and register. Its use will be seamless, whether in formal debates, creative writing, or casual conversation, reflecting a deep intuitive grasp of the Portuguese language. They would rarely, if ever, make an error in its application, and might even be able to explain its subtle idiomatic uses and cultural implications.
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Examples

às vezes in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'sometimes' or 'on occasion'.
  • Indicates an action happens from time to time.
  • Used for non-constant events or feelings.
  • Very common in everyday Portuguese.

The Portuguese adverb 'às vezes' translates directly to 'sometimes' or 'on occasion' in English. It's a very common and versatile expression used to indicate that something happens or is true from time to time, but not always or regularly. Think of it as a way to soften a statement or to describe an intermittent occurrence. It's useful for talking about habits, recurring events, or feelings that don't manifest constantly. For example, you might say you 'sometimes' feel tired, or that you 'sometimes' go to the cinema. It's a fundamental building block for expressing frequency in everyday conversations.

Usage Context
You can use 'às vezes' to describe actions, states, or feelings that are not constant. It fits naturally into sentences where you're discussing general truths, personal habits, or occasional occurrences. It's a flexible adverb that can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, though placing it at the beginning or end is often the most natural.
Frequency
'Às vezes' is used very frequently in spoken and written Portuguese. It's a staple in everyday communication, so mastering its use will significantly improve your fluency and comprehension.

Eu às vezes acordo cedo.

Ela às vezes esquece as chaves.

Nós às vezes saímos para jantar.

Example Scenario
Imagine you're talking about your weekend plans. You might say, 'No fim de semana, às vezes eu gosto de ficar em casa e ler um livro.' (On the weekend, sometimes I like to stay home and read a book.) This clearly indicates that reading at home is something you do occasionally, not every single weekend.

Using 'às vezes' in Portuguese is straightforward. It functions as an adverb of frequency, similar to 'sometimes' in English. You can place it in various positions within a sentence, but some placements sound more natural than others. Often, it's placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, or in the middle, typically before the main verb. Let's look at some common sentence structures and examples.

Placement at the Beginning
Placing 'às vezes' at the start of a sentence often adds a slight emphasis to the occasional nature of the action. It can set the tone for the rest of the sentence.

Às vezes, eu como pão no café da manhã.

Translation: Sometimes, I eat bread for breakfast.

Placement in the Middle (Before the Verb)
This is a very common and natural placement, especially with regular verbs. It integrates smoothly into the sentence flow.

Ele às vezes visita os avós.

Translation: He sometimes visits his grandparents.

Placement at the End
While less common than the middle placement, putting 'às vezes' at the end can also work, often for a slightly more casual feel.

Nós estudamos português às vezes.

Translation: We study Portuguese sometimes.

Use with Different Verbs
'Às vezes' can be used with virtually any verb to indicate an occasional action. Whether it's 'comer' (to eat), 'falar' (to speak), 'ver' (to see), 'ir' (to go), or 'estar' (to be), the adverb modifies the frequency of the verb's action.

O tempo às vezes muda rapidamente.

Translation: The weather sometimes changes quickly.

Eu às vezes sinto saudades de casa.

Translation: I sometimes feel homesick.

You'll hear 'às vezes' peppered throughout everyday Portuguese conversations, across all regions and demographics. It's a fundamental part of casual chat, more formal discussions, and everything in between. Native speakers use it to describe their routines, their opinions, and their observations about the world. Its ubiquity makes it essential for understanding natural Portuguese speech.

Casual Conversations
In informal settings, 'às vezes' is used to talk about personal habits, preferences, and occasional events. For instance, when friends catch up, one might say: 'Eu às vezes vou ao cinema no fim de semana.' (I sometimes go to the cinema on the weekend.) This is a very common way to share what you do without implying it's a strict schedule.

'Você gosta de café?' 'Sim, às vezes, mas prefiro chá.'

Translation: 'Do you like coffee?' 'Yes, sometimes, but I prefer tea.'

Discussions About Routines and Habits
When describing what you or someone else does regularly, but not always, 'às vezes' is invaluable. It adds a layer of realism. For example, a parent might say about their child: 'Ele às vezes ajuda em casa.' (He sometimes helps at home.) This implies he doesn't help all the time, but it does happen.

O trabalho às vezes é cansativo.

Translation: Work is sometimes tiring.

Media and Entertainment
You'll encounter 'às vezes' in news reports, articles, and even song lyrics. For instance, a travel blog might mention: 'Lisboa é uma cidade linda que às vezes surpreende os visitantes com sua beleza.'

Translation: Lisbon is a beautiful city that sometimes surprises visitors with its beauty.

Describing Feelings and States
People use it to express fluctuating emotions or states of being. 'Eu às vezes me sinto um pouco perdido.' (I sometimes feel a bit lost.) This is a relatable and common way to express a feeling that isn't constant.

While 'às vezes' is a straightforward adverb, learners might occasionally make small errors in its usage. These are usually related to overgeneralization, incorrect placement, or confusion with similar-sounding expressions. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you use the phrase more accurately and confidently.

Mistake 1: Overusing 'Sempre' (Always)
A common tendency for learners is to use 'sempre' (always) when 'às vezes' (sometimes) would be more appropriate. This can make statements sound too absolute. For example, saying 'Eu sempre vou à praia' (I always go to the beach) when you only go occasionally. The correct way to express occasional visits would be 'Eu às vezes vou à praia.'

Incorrect: Ele sempre come pizza.

Correct: Ele às vezes come pizza.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Placement
While 'às vezes' is flexible, certain placements can sound awkward. For instance, putting it after a prepositional phrase might not always be ideal, though it's rarely grammatically wrong. The most natural positions are typically at the beginning or before the main verb.

Awkward: Comida italiana eu como às vezes.

More Natural: Eu às vezes como comida italiana.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Algumas Vezes'
'Algumas vezes' is a phrase that also means 'sometimes' or 'a few times'. While very similar, 'às vezes' is generally more common and natural in everyday speech. Learners might incorrectly think 'algumas vezes' is the only or primary option. Both are correct, but 'às vezes' is more idiomatic for general 'sometimes'.

Common: Eu às vezes leio este livro.

Also Correct: Eu leio este livro algumas vezes.

Ignoring the Accent
Forgetting the grave accent on 'às' can lead to confusion, though in spoken language it's less noticeable. However, in writing, 'as vezes' without the accent might be interpreted differently or simply look incorrect. Always remember the accent to signify the plural feminine article 'as' combined with 'vezes'.

While 'às vezes' is the most common way to say 'sometimes', Portuguese offers other expressions that convey similar meanings, with subtle differences in nuance or formality. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.

'Ocasionalmente' (Occasionally)
This adverb is a direct cognate of the English word 'occasionally' and is generally more formal than 'às vezes'. It implies something happens infrequently but deliberately or by chance.
Example: Ocasionalmente, recebo um e-mail em francês.
Translation: Occasionally, I receive an email in French.
Comparison: 'Às vezes' is more common for everyday, less formal situations. 'Ocasionalmente' sounds more deliberate or formal.
'De vez em quando' (From time to time)
This idiomatic expression is very close in meaning to 'às vezes' and is also very common in spoken Portuguese. It suggests an intermittent occurrence.
Example: De vez em quando, vou à casa dos meus pais.
Translation: From time to time, I go to my parents' house.
Comparison: 'De vez em quando' often feels a bit more informal and conversational than 'às vezes', though they are largely interchangeable in many contexts.
'Raramente' (Rarely)
This is an antonym or opposite of 'frequentemente' (frequently) and indicates something that happens very infrequently, much less often than 'às vezes'.
Example: Eu raramente como carne.
Translation: I rarely eat meat.
Comparison: 'Raramente' is at the opposite end of the frequency spectrum from 'às vezes'. If 'às vezes' means something happens some of the time, 'raramente' means it happens very little of the time.
'Frequentemente' (Frequently)
This adverb means 'frequently' or 'often' and indicates a higher frequency than 'às vezes'.
Example: Nós frequentemente nos encontramos.
Translation: We frequently meet.
Comparison: 'Frequentemente' implies a much higher regularity than 'às vezes'. If 'às vezes' is about happening some of the time, 'frequentemente' is about happening a lot of the time.
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Examples by Level

1

Eu às vezes como fruta.

I sometimes eat fruit.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'como'.

2

Às vezes, eu bebo água.

Sometimes, I drink water.

'às vezes' is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

3

Ela às vezes dorme cedo.

She sometimes sleeps early.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'dorme'.

4

Nós às vezes vemos um filme.

We sometimes watch a movie.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'vemos'.

5

O cão às vezes late.

The dog sometimes barks.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'late'.

6

Às vezes, o tempo está frio.

Sometimes, the weather is cold.

'às vezes' is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

7

Eu às vezes leio um livro.

I sometimes read a book.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'leio'.

8

Eles às vezes jogam bola.

They sometimes play ball.

'às vezes' is placed before the verb 'jogam'.

1

Eu às vezes acordo tarde no fim de semana.

I sometimes wake up late on the weekend.

'às vezes' modifies the verb 'acordo' and specifies frequency within a time frame.

2

Ela às vezes esquece o guarda-chuva.

She sometimes forgets the umbrella.

The adverb 'às vezes' indicates an occasional lapse in memory.

3

Nós às vezes saímos para jantar fora.

We sometimes go out for dinner.

'às vezes' modifies the verb 'saímos', indicating an occasional social activity.

4

Às vezes, ele visita os avós.

Sometimes, he visits his grandparents.

Placing 'às vezes' at the beginning emphasizes the occasional nature of the visit.

5

O meu irmão às vezes cozinha para nós.

My brother sometimes cooks for us.

'às vezes' describes the frequency of the brother's cooking.

6

Eu às vezes sinto saudades de casa.

I sometimes feel homesick.

Expressing an occasional emotional state with 'às vezes'.

7

O tempo às vezes muda rapidamente.

The weather sometimes changes quickly.

'às vezes' describes the unpredictable nature of the weather.

8

Eles às vezes vão ao parque aos domingos.

They sometimes go to the park on Sundays.

'às vezes' indicates that going to the park is an occasional Sunday activity.

1

No fim de semana, às vezes eu gosto de ficar em casa e ler um livro.

On the weekend, sometimes I like to stay home and read a book.

Used to describe a leisurely activity that occurs intermittently.

2

Embora eu goste de viajar, às vezes prefiro a tranquilidade do meu lar.

Although I like to travel, sometimes I prefer the tranquility of my home.

Used to express a preference that isn't constant, contrasting with another activity.

3

A tecnologia às vezes nos ajuda, mas outras vezes nos distrai.

Technology sometimes helps us, but other times it distracts us.

Used to express duality or contrasting effects of something.

4

Às vezes, é preciso ter paciência com as crianças.

Sometimes, it's necessary to have patience with children.

Used to state a general truth or necessity that applies intermittently.

5

Ele às vezes se lembra de detalhes que todos esqueceram.

He sometimes remembers details that everyone else forgot.

Describes an occasional but notable ability or occurrence.

6

O trânsito na cidade às vezes é insuportável.

The traffic in the city is sometimes unbearable.

Expressing a recurring but not constant problem.

7

Eu às vezes penso em mudar de carreira.

I sometimes think about changing careers.

Used to express a recurring but not yet decided thought.

8

A comida caseira às vezes tem um sabor especial.

Homemade food sometimes has a special flavor.

Describing a quality that appears intermittently.

1

Às vezes, a criatividade surge nos momentos mais inesperados.

Sometimes, creativity arises in the most unexpected moments.

Expressing a concept that occurs sporadically and unpredictably.

2

Ele às vezes demonstra uma maturidade surpreendente para a sua idade.

He sometimes shows surprising maturity for his age.

Used to describe a trait that manifests intermittently.

3

O debate político às vezes se torna mais acirrado do que produtivo.

The political debate sometimes becomes more heated than productive.

Describing a tendency in a complex situation.

4

A busca por conhecimento às vezes nos leva por caminhos tortuosos.

The pursuit of knowledge sometimes leads us down winding paths.

Used metaphorically to describe the unpredictable nature of learning.

5

A inspiração às vezes vem depois de um longo período de esforço.

Inspiration sometimes comes after a long period of effort.

Describing the intermittent nature of creative inspiration.

6

É importante lembrar que às vezes o silêncio é a melhor resposta.

It is important to remember that sometimes silence is the best answer.

Expressing a situational truth that isn't universally applied but holds true often.

7

A vida às vezes nos reserva surpresas inesperadas.

Life sometimes holds unexpected surprises for us.

Used to describe the unpredictable nature of life events.

8

O progresso às vezes requer sacrifícios significativos.

Progress sometimes requires significant sacrifices.

Describing a condition that is not always present but often necessary for advancement.

1

Às vezes, a sutileza de uma obra de arte reside precisamente na sua ambiguidade.

Sometimes, the subtlety of a work of art lies precisely in its ambiguity.

Used in an analytical context to highlight a specific characteristic that appears intermittently or is not always obvious.

2

A conformidade social às vezes pode sufocar a individualidade.

Social conformity can sometimes stifle individuality.

Used to express a potential negative consequence that occurs sporadically.

3

A interpretação de textos históricos às vezes é influenciada pelas perspectivas do presente.

The interpretation of historical texts is sometimes influenced by present-day perspectives.

Describes how contextual factors can intermittently affect understanding.

4

O progresso científico às vezes avança em saltos descontínuos.

Scientific progress sometimes advances in discontinuous leaps.

Used to characterize the non-linear nature of advancement.

5

A verdadeira compreensão às vezes exige um distanciamento crítico.

True understanding sometimes requires critical distance.

Suggests a condition that is not always present but is sometimes necessary for deep insight.

6

A retórica política às vezes mascara a ausência de propostas concretas.

Political rhetoric sometimes masks the absence of concrete proposals.

Used to critique a tendency in communication that occurs intermittently.

7

A beleza às vezes reside na imperfeição.

Beauty sometimes resides in imperfection.

Expressing a philosophical concept about the nature of aesthetics.

8

A empatia às vezes é mais demonstrada através de ações do que de palavras.

Empathy is sometimes demonstrated more through actions than words.

Highlighting a specific way a quality is manifested, not always, but sometimes.

1

Às vezes, o silêncio eloquente de um artista comunica mais do que qualquer manifesto.

Sometimes, the eloquent silence of an artist communicates more than any manifesto.

Used to convey a sophisticated observation about artistic expression, implying that this profound communication happens occasionally but is highly impactful.

2

A causalidade na história às vezes se revela em encadeamentos de eventos que parecem fortuitos.

Causality in history sometimes reveals itself in chains of events that seem fortuitous.

A nuanced statement about historical analysis, indicating that clear causal links are not always evident and can appear by chance.

3

A busca por autenticidade às vezes nos confronta com a necessidade de desconstruir narrativas impostas.

The search for authenticity sometimes confronts us with the need to deconstruct imposed narratives.

Expressing a philosophical or psychological journey where the need for deconstruction arises intermittently.

4

O paradoxo da liberdade às vezes se manifesta na sua própria limitação.

The paradox of freedom sometimes manifests in its own limitation.

A sophisticated observation on a philosophical concept, where the manifestation of the paradox occurs occasionally.

5

A transcendência às vezes é alcançada não pela busca ativa, mas pela rendição serena.

Transcendence is sometimes achieved not through active seeking, but through serene surrender.

A spiritual or philosophical statement about the intermittent and often passive nature of achieving a higher state.

6

A própria linguagem às vezes trai a intenção do falante.

Language itself sometimes betrays the speaker's intention.

A meta-linguistic observation about the inherent limitations or complexities of communication that occur occasionally.

7

O eco do passado às vezes ressoa nas estruturas do presente.

The echo of the past sometimes resonates in the structures of the present.

A poetic or analytical statement about historical influence that is not constant but reappears.

8

A plenitude às vezes se encontra na aceitação do efêmero.

Fullness is sometimes found in the acceptance of the ephemeral.

A profound statement about life and happiness, suggesting that this state of fulfillment can be achieved through an occasional shift in perspective.

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