Step 1

Sometimes expressions have no direct translation. These are idioms. We simply learn them. The word vez (time) is commonly used in different idioms.

Ellos hablan a la vez.
      They speak at the same time.

A veces le gusta fumar un cigarro.
      Sometimes he likes to smoke a cigar.

Va al mar de vez en cuando.
      He goes to the ocean from time to time.

Él come fruta en vez de pan.
      He eats fruit instead of bread.

Tal vez él puede ayudar.
      Perhaps he can help.

Él va a la escuela otra vez.
      He goes to school again.

de una vez
      once and for all