Translation guide
Expresses scattered locations, movement to various places, or sporadic occurrence. Japanese uses adverbs like あちこち, ところどころ, or mimetic words like ちらほら depending on the nuance.
Describing things located in multiple, often random, places within an area.
Most common and versatile. Can refer to locations, directions, or body parts. Used for both static locations and movement.
There are benches here and there in the park.
I hurt here and there (all over).
Slightly more formal or emphatic than あちこち. Often implies a wider area or more scattered distribution.
Flowers are blooming here and there.
Focuses on specific spots or patches, often used for visible things like colors, stains, or damage. More concrete than あちこち.
There are cracks here and there on the wall.
Mimetic word for things appearing sporadically and in small numbers, often people or flowers. Implies a scattered, sparse presence.
People started gathering here and there at the venue.
Describing movement or travel to multiple, often unspecified, locations.
Works for both static locations and movement. With verbs like 行く (go) or 歩く (walk), it means going to various places.
On my days off, I go out here and there.
Similar to あちこち but can sound more deliberate or wider-ranging.
Idiomatic phrase emphasizing back-and-forth or aimless movement. Casual.
Describing events or actions that happen at irregular intervals or in a scattered manner.
Used for things that appear or happen sporadically, like news, rumors, or sightings. Often with 聞く (hear) or 見える (be visible).
I hear rumors here and there.
Mimetic word for things happening little by little or in scattered instances. Can also mean 'gradually'.
Can be used for sporadic events when emphasizing specific points in time or space, but less common than ちらほら for frequency.
あちこち is general and can be used for both locations and movement. ところどころ emphasizes specific spots or patches, often visual. Use ところどころ for things like stains, damage, or patches of color; use あちこち for more abstract or wide-ranging distribution.
I searched here and there but couldn't find it.
Flowers are planted here and there (in specific spots).
Do not translate 'here and there' word-for-word as ここ と そこ. This is unnatural in Japanese. Use the adverbs listed above.
Patches of snow remain here and there.
He travels here and there.
I ran around here and there preparing for the move.
The kids are running here and there.
Autumn leaves can be seen here and there now.
ぽつぽつと雨が降り出した。
Rain started falling here and there (in scattered drops).
Inquiries are coming in here and there.
Applause broke out here and there.