たまに

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. たまに映画を見ます。▶ —
   I watch movies occasionally.
2. たまには休みます。▶ —
   I rest once in a while.

Collocations

Mnemonic

たまに tamani = 偶 (occasion) + ni → "occasionally, by chance." Japanese frequency spectrum: tsune ni > itsumo > yoku (often) > tokidoki (sometimes) > tamani (occasionally) > mare ni (rarely) > hotondo nai (hardly) > mattaku nai (never). Tamani sits at "usually not, but sometimes" — about 1–2× monthly. "Tamani wa" adds topic emphasis — "once in a while (let us do this)" as suggestion or self-comfort.

Quick check

1. Where does "tamani" sit on the Japanese frequency spectrum?

   • Less than tokidoki (sometimes), more than mare ni (rarely) — "occasionally" (~1–2× monthly)
   • Daily
   • Never
   • Mostly