otra vez vs. de nuevo

Question

I know that they both mean again, and I always just use otra vez to be safe, but when would I use de nuevo?

Great question, mayodude! - Izanoni1, Feb 24, 2011

Answer 1

Ejemplos:

Le dije que no lo hiciera, pero lo hizo de nuevo.

Le dije que no lo hiciera, pero lo hizo otra vez.

De nuevo, te he dicho que no llames más. Here it's better to say de nuevo and not otra vez. Once again is better translated as de nuevo and not otra vez in this case.

I see that makes sense. Ok thanks! - mayodude, Feb 24, 2011

Answer 2

Perhaps when in English we would use "start over from the beginning" [anew]. You are making a second attempt, but maybe in a different way. However, it need not carry that meaning. It can simply mean again or another time.

I like usarenzo's explanation of "anymore".

Answer 3

I use them as synonyms.

Me equivoqué de nuevo.

Me equivoqué otra vez.

Lo hizo de nuevo.

Lo hizo otra vez.

Etc.

Ok, Luis. Pero busca ejemplos más complejos y tal vez descubras que De nuevo calza mejor al principiio de la frase que Otra vez. - gone, Feb 24, 2011

Answer 4

So "de nuevo" might be most closely associated with the English expression, "once again" or "yet again" ...? That's what it feels like to me.

And "otra vez" would be used where English would simply say, "again" ?

Is there a matter of emphasis, or degree, involved? Or is there some other sense of reason to prefer one vs. the other?