1.
often, not uncommonly, frequently
Indicates that something happens more frequently than one might expect. Used in written and somewhat formal contexts to describe tendencies or recurring patterns, often with a slightly cautionary or critical tone.
こういうことは往々にしてある。
This kind of thing happens quite often.
計画は往々にして予定どおりにいかない。
Plans often don't go as scheduled.
自信がある人ほど、往々にして他人の意見を聞かないものだ。
The more confident a person is, the more often they tend not to listen to others' opinions.
GRAMMAR:
Almost always used in the set phrase 往々にして (often, as is frequently the case). Rarely appears without にして. Typically followed by observations about general tendencies.
REGISTER:
More literary and formal than よく or しばしば. Common in essays, commentary, and written analysis. Carries a nuance that the frequency is noteworthy or somewhat problematic.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 往々にしてある: it often happens
- 往々にして〜ものだ: it is often the case that...
- 往々にして〜がちだ: it tends to...