Understanding the meaning of “de vez em quando” is essential for anyone learning Portuguese, as it is a phrase frequently used in everyday conversations. This article delves into the significance of “de vez em quando” and explores its various uses and implications in the language.
“De vez em quando” is a Portuguese expression that translates to “every now and then” or “occasionally” in English. It is commonly used to describe something that happens from time to time, but not on a regular basis. This phrase is often employed to convey a sense of unpredictability or irregularity in the occurrence of an event or action.
In a sentence, “de vez em quando” can be used to express the frequency of an activity or event. For instance, “Eu vou ao cinema de vez em quando” means “I go to the cinema every now and then,” indicating that the person goes to the cinema occasionally, but not as a frequent routine. Similarly, “Ele chama de vez em quando” translates to “He calls occasionally,” suggesting that the person calls the other individual from time to time, but not regularly.
The phrase “de vez em quando” can also be used to emphasize the rarity of an event or action. For example, “Aqui no Brasil, as chuvas são raras de vez em quando” means “In Brazil, the rains are rare every now and then,” highlighting the infrequency of rain in that region.
Moreover, “de vez em quando” can be used to introduce a change or interruption in a routine. In a sentence like “Eu vou ao trabalho todos os dias, mas de vez em quando, fico em casa” (I go to work every day, but every now and then, I stay home), the phrase indicates that the person usually follows a routine, but occasionally, there is a deviation from that routine.
In conclusion, “de vez em quando” is a versatile expression in Portuguese that conveys the idea of something happening from time to time, occasionally, or irregularly. Understanding its meaning and usage is crucial for anyone looking to improve their Portuguese language skills and engage in more meaningful conversations with native speakers.
