たまに
たまに
adverb
occasionally; once in a while
1.
occasionally; once in a while
Indicates something happens infrequently but regularly.
たまに映画を見に行きます。
I occasionally go to see movies.
たまには休んだほうがいいよ。
You should take a break once in a while.
たまには adds emphasis: 'for once'
彼はたまに遅刻する。
He is occasionally late.
たまに料理をする。
I cook occasionally.
たまには外で食べよう。
Let's eat out for a change.
たまには = for a change
たまに indicates infrequent occurrence, typically less often than ときどき.
FREQUENCY SCALE (HIGH → LOW):
- いつも: always (100%)
- よく: often (~70-80%)
- ときどき: sometimes (~40-60%)
- たまに: occasionally (~10-30%)
- めったに〜ない: rarely (~1-5%)
- 全然〜ない: never (0%)
たまに vs たまには:
- たまに: neutral statement of infrequent occurrence
- たまには: emphatic, suggests 'for once' or 'for a change'
Example: たまには外で食べよう (Let's eat out for a change)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- たまに〜する: to occasionally do ~
- たまに〜ことがある: sometimes ~ happens
- たまにしか〜ない: only rarely ~
ETYMOLOGY:
From 偶 (chance, accident) + に (particle)