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"Tercero" is an adjective which is often translated as "third", and "a la vez" is a phrase which is often translated as "at the same time". Learn more about the difference between "tercero" and "a la vez" below.
tercero(
tehr
-
seh
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. third
Por tercera vez, ¿puedes bajar el volumen de la música?For the third time, can you turn the music down?
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. third party
Publica un aviso para asegurarnos de que no afectemos a ningún tercero con este juicio.Publish a notice to make sure we don't affect any third party with this suit.
4. (arbitrator)
a. mediator
El contrato dicta que se solicite un tercero para resolver cualquier conflicto.The contract dictates that a mediator be requested to resolve any potential dispute.
b. arbitrator
El sindicato y la gerencia se trajeron un tercero para llegar a un acuerdo.The union and management brought in an arbitrator in order to reach an agreement.
a. go-between
Él usaba el limpiabotas como tercero para llevar notas a su amante.He used the shoeshine as a go-between to take notes to his lover.
b. matchmaker
Le encanta jugar el papel de tercero con sus amigos.He loves playing the role of matchmaker with his friends.
c. procurer (illicit activity)
Cuando Hugh se encuentra en Manchester, visita a su tercero favorito.Whenever Hugh is in Manchester, he visits his favorite procurer.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a la vez(
ah
lah
behs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. at the same time
La película me hizo llorar y reír a la vez.The movie made me laugh and cry at the same time.
