1.
on occasion; from time to time; whenever the opportunity arises
Expresses that something is done whenever a suitable occasion presents itself, not on a fixed schedule but as opportunities naturally occur.
折に触れて思い出す。
I remember from time to time.
先生は折に触れて注意してくれた。
The teacher gave me reminders whenever the occasion arose.
祖母は折に触れて戦争中の体験を語ってくれた。
My grandmother would tell us about her wartime experiences from time to time.
A literary expression meaning to do something whenever an appropriate occasion naturally arises. 折 means 'occasion' or 'opportunity,' and 触れる here means 'to come into contact with.' The phrase suggests actions that happen organically rather than on a deliberate schedule.
USAGE:
Typically used in written or formal spoken Japanese. Often describes habitual actions taken when the moment is right, such as giving advice, sharing memories, or reflecting on something.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 折に触れて話す — to talk about it on occasion
- 折に触れて思い出す — to recall from time to time
- 折に触れて伝える — to convey whenever the chance arises
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ときどき — sometimes; more casual and implies regular frequency
- 事あるごとに — at every opportunity; stronger sense of frequency, sometimes with a negative nuance of doing something too often