Portuguese Phrase
Às vezes leio um livro.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that they read a book on occasion – it’s not a daily habit, but they do it from time to time.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to talk about occasional reading habits, describe a leisure activity you do now and then, or answer a question about how often you read.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Àsvezesleioumlivro
Às vezes
A contraction of the preposition 'a' + definite article 'as' used with the plural noun 'vezes' to mean 'sometimes'.
leio
First‑person singular present indicative of the verb 'ler' (to read).
um
Indefinite article masculine singular, agreeing with the masculine noun 'livro'.
livro
Masculine singular noun meaning 'book'.
🗨In Conversation
Você costuma ler muito?
Do you read a lot?
Às vezes leio um livro.
Sometimes I read a book.
✕Common Mistakes
as vezes leio um livro.
Missing the grave accent on 'às' changes the meaning; the correct form is the contraction 'às'.
Às vezes leio uma livro.
The indefinite article must agree in gender with the noun; 'livro' is masculine, so use 'um'.
Às vezes leio um livros.
Singular verb 'leio' pairs with singular noun; 'livros' is plural, so either change the verb or keep the noun singular.
↔Alternatives
Leio um livro às vezes.
I read a book sometimes.
De vez em quando, leio um livro.
From time to time, I read a book.
Ler um livro de vez em quando.
To read a book now and then.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, reading is often a relaxed pastime enjoyed during commutes, at cafés, or in parks. The adverbial phrase 'às vezes' is common in everyday speech for occasional actions, while 'de vez em quando' sounds slightly more formal. Remember that the article must match the gender of the noun – 'um livro' (masculine) vs. 'uma revista' (feminine).