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.
I sometimes watch movies.
It sometimes rains.
Implies less frequency than 時々, closer to 'once in a while' or 'occasionally'. Often used in casual speech.
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.
Sometimes I relax at home on weekends.
He is sometimes late.
Literally 'at times', often used for emphasis or in written language. Can sound slightly formal.
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.
On my days off, I sometimes read books and sometimes take walks.
His mood is sometimes good and sometimes bad.
Explicitly contrasts two situations with 'sometimes... and sometimes...'. More emphatic than 〜たり.
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: 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'.
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.
I sometimes go to the gym.
Sometimes I feel lonely.
Sometimes I treat them kindly, sometimes strictly.
I'm not feeling well today, but sometimes that happens.