De Vez em Quando vs. Às Vezes: How to Say “Sometimes” in Portuguese
Both expressions mean “sometimes,” with slightly different rhythm and emphasis in a sentence.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Às vezes is a common, concise way to say “sometimes.” It works at the beginning or end of a sentence and can describe a habit that happens occasionally.
Use às vezes as a flexible “sometimes”
The accent marks matter in writing: às vezes. In fast speech, the phrase may sound connected, so learn it in a complete sentence rather than as two isolated words.
Às vezes, eu almoço perto do trabalho.
Sometimes I have lunch near work.
A gente assiste a um filme em casa às vezes.
We sometimes watch a movie at home.
Às vezes, ela prefere caminhar sozinha.
Sometimes she prefers to walk by herself.
Use de vez em quando for an occasional event
De vez em quando also means “from time to time” or “once in a while.” Its longer rhythm often gives a sentence a slightly more occasional feel, though it overlaps with às vezes.
It commonly appears at the start or end of a sentence. Both expressions are natural; choose the one that fits your rhythm and the emphasis you want.
De vez em quando, visito meus primos no interior.
Once in a while, I visit my cousins in the countryside.
Ele cozinha para os amigos de vez em quando.
He cooks for his friends from time to time.
A gente pede comida japonesa de vez em quando.
We order Japanese food every now and then.
Choose the expression that fits the conversation
There is no strict frequency scale that separates the two expressions in every conversation. Both can describe an occasional action; the difference is often stylistic rather than a measurable number of times.
For a daily or weekly habit, name the interval directly with todo dia, uma vez por semana, or quase nunca. Use às vezes or de vez em quando when the exact frequency is not important.
Eu ligo para minha irmã toda semana; às vezes, a gente conversa por vídeo.
I call my sister every week; sometimes we talk by video.
De vez em quando, a gente faz uma viagem curta.
Every now and then, we take a short trip.
Não acontece sempre; só de vez em quando.
It doesn’t happen all the time; only once in a while.
Put it into practice
Às vezes and de vez em quando both mean “sometimes.” The longer phrase can feel like “once in a while,” but everyday usage overlaps.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Once in a while, I visit my cousins in the countryside”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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