Translation guide
The English word 'sometimes' expresses occasional occurrence. In Japanese, this is most naturally conveyed with adverbs like 時々 (tokidoki), but other patterns exist depending on nuance, such as たまに (tamani) for less frequent events or 〜こともある (~koto mo aru) for 'there are times when...'. Learners should avoid literal translations like いくつかの時 (ikutsuka no toki), which is unnatural.
Express that something happens occasionally, not always or never.
The most common and neutral way to say 'sometimes'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
私は時々映画を見ます。
I sometimes watch movies.
時々雨が降ります。
It sometimes rains.
Implies less frequency than 時々, closer to 'once in a while' or 'occasionally'. Often used in casual speech.
たまに外食します。
I eat out sometimes (once in a while).
Attach to the plain form of a verb/adjective to mean 'there are times when...' or 'sometimes...'. More descriptive than a simple adverb.
週末は家でゆっくりすることもある。
Sometimes I relax at home on weekends.
彼は遅刻することもある。
He is sometimes late.
Literally 'at times', often used for emphasis or in written language. Can sound slightly formal.
時には失敗も必要だ。
Sometimes failure is necessary.
Express that two contrasting states or actions occur at different times.
List two or more actions/states in the 〜たり form to mean 'sometimes do A, sometimes do B'. The final する indicates these are examples of a broader set.
休みの日は本を読んだり、散歩したりします。
On my days off, I sometimes read books and sometimes take walks.
彼の気分は良かったり悪かったりする。
His mood is sometimes good and sometimes bad.
Explicitly contrasts two situations with 'sometimes... and sometimes...'. More emphatic than 〜たり.
時には優しく、時には厳しく接する。
Sometimes I treat them kindly, sometimes strictly.
Express that something is not always the case; it varies.
A common phrase meaning 'it depends on the time and situation', equivalent to 'sometimes yes, sometimes no'.
A: いつも電車で行くの？ B: 時と場合によるよ。
A: Do you always go by train? B: Sometimes yes, sometimes no (it depends).
Literally 'there are also times like that', used to acknowledge that something happens occasionally, often with a nuance of 'it can't be helped'.
今日は調子が悪いけど、そういう時もあるよ。
I'm not feeling well today, but sometimes that happens.
Do not translate 'sometimes' as いくつかの時 (ikutsuka no toki) or いくつかの場合 (ikutsuka no baai). These are unnatural in Japanese. Use the adverbs or patterns above.
時々 (tokidoki) is the default for 'sometimes' with moderate frequency. たまに (tamani) implies a lower frequency, closer to 'once in a while'. If you want to emphasize rarity, use たまに.
時々ジムに行きます。
I sometimes go to the gym.
時々寂しくなる。
Sometimes I feel lonely.