Translation guide
How to express 'a few times' in Japanese, covering frequency, repetition, and occasional occurrences.
Expressing that something happened or is done a small number of times, typically 2–4 times.
The most direct and neutral way to say 'a few times'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
Expressing that something happens occasionally, not regularly, but a few times over a period.
Emphasizing that an action was repeated a few times, often in succession.
Means 'many times' or 'repeatedly', but can be used for 'a few times' when the number is not large. Very common.
何度も言ったでしょ。
I told you a few times, didn't I?
数回 is neutral and precise ('a few times'). 何回か is more vague and conversational ('some number of times'). 何度も implies repetition and can mean 'many times', so use with care when you mean only a few.
English 'a few times' can often be translated as 数回, but in casual speech, 何回か or 時々 may be more natural depending on context. Do not use 少ない回数 (literally 'few times') as it sounds unnatural.
その映画は数回見ました。
I've seen that movie a few times.
Literally 'some number of times', very common in casual conversation. Implies an unspecified small number.
何回か試したけど、うまくいかなかった。
I tried a few times, but it didn't work.
More formal or literary than 数回. Often used in written language or formal speech.
この現象は数度観測されている。
This phenomenon has been observed a few times.
Literally 'two or three times', a very specific way to say 'a few times'. Common in both speech and writing.
二、三回会ったことがあります。
I've met him a few times.
Means 'about a few times', emphasizing the approximate nature. Somewhat formal.
使用は数回程度に抑えてください。
Please limit use to about a few times.
Means 'sometimes', implying a few times here and there. Very common and natural.
時々、あのカフェに行きます。
I go to that café a few times (occasionally).
Means 'once in a while' or 'occasionally', often used for infrequent events. Casual.
たまに映画を見る。
I watch movies a few times (occasionally).
Similar to 何回か but using 度 (times/occurrences). Slightly more formal or written nuance.
何度か注意したが、改善されなかった。
I warned him a few times, but it didn't improve.
Similar to 何度も, using 回. Slightly more casual.
何回も練習した。
I practiced a few times (repeatedly).