時々会う

Using this phrase is like building with LEGO bricks. You take the adverb 時々 (sometimes) and pair it with the verb 会う (to meet). You can use it as a statement or a question. If you want to be polite, change it to 時々会います. If you’re texting a close friend, keep it as 時々会う. You can add a person before it using the particle と. For example, 友達と時々会う means "I sometimes meet my friend."

This is your go-to for social updates. Use it when a coworker asks if you still talk to your old classmates. It’s great for describing relationships that are stable but not intense. Use it when you’re catching up over drinks. It works well in texts when suggesting a casual future vibe. Use it at a party to explain how you know someone. It’s the ultimate "low-maintenance friendship" descriptor.

Don't use this for people you see every single day. If you see your boss every morning, 時々会う sounds like you're avoiding work! Also, avoid using it for someone you’ve only met once. It implies a repeat action, so it needs a history. Don't use it for romantic partners unless you're trying to sound very distant. It might make them think you're not that into them. Ouch!

In Japan, maintaining "en" (connections) is a big deal. Even if you aren't best friends, keeping a connection alive is respected. 時々会う is a way to acknowledge a bond without overcommitting. It reflects the Japanese value of "teido" (moderation). You aren't being clingy, but you aren't being cold either. It’s the social sweet spot of Japanese politeness. It shows you value the person enough to keep them in your life.

If "sometimes" feels a bit too frequent, try たまに会う (tamani au). That’s more like "once in a blue moon." If you want to sound more formal in a business setting, use 時々お会いします (tokidoki o-ai shimasu). To suggest meeting up, you can say 時々会いましょう (tokidoki aimashou). For a more rhythmic feel, some people say ちょこちょこ会う (choko choko au). This sounds a bit more cute and frequent, like little pops of social time.