invés

In Portuguese, "invés" is a word that functions as a preposition, typically found in the fixed expression "em vez de." This expression translates to "instead of" in English. It is used to indicate a substitution or a preference for one option over another. For example, "Eu prefiro chá em vez de café" means "I prefer tea instead of coffee." The word "invés" itself does not commonly appear independently in modern Portuguese usage; its meaning and function are almost exclusively derived from its inclusion in this phrase. The phrase "em vez de" highlights a contrast or a choice, signaling that something is being chosen or done in place of something else. It's a fundamental part of expressing alternatives and making selections in everyday Portuguese conversation and writing. The structure is consistent, always involving "em vez de" to convey the concept of replacement or substitution.