In 15 Seconds
- Leaving the house occasionally for fun.
- Not a daily habit, just sometimes.
- Perfect for describing your social life.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of leaving your home for leisure, errands, or social activities on an occasional basis. It’s the perfect way to say you aren't a total homebody, but you aren't a party animal either.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chatting with a new neighbor
休日は時々出かけますが、家で過ごすのも好きです。
I go out sometimes on weekends, but I also like staying home.
Texting a close friend
最近は忙しくて、時々しか出かけられないよ。
I've been busy lately, so I can only go out sometimes.
A formal self-introduction
趣味は写真で、時々近所の公園へ出かけます。
My hobby is photography, and I sometimes go out to nearby parks.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'uchi-soto' (inside-outside) social dynamic.
Keep it simple
Don't overcomplicate your answer to 'what do you do?'
In 15 Seconds
- Leaving the house occasionally for fun.
- Not a daily habit, just sometimes.
- Perfect for describing your social life.
What It Means
時々出かける is your go-to phrase for describing occasional outings. It combines 時々 (sometimes) with 出かける (to go out/leave the house). It implies you are leaving your private space for a specific reason. This could be for shopping, meeting friends, or just a walk. It suggests a frequency of maybe once or twice a week. It is a very balanced, middle-ground expression.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase in almost any conversation. Just attach a destination or a purpose if you want. For example, 時々カフェに出かける means you occasionally go to cafes. If you use it alone, it sounds like a general lifestyle statement. It is a very flexible collocation. You can change the ending to 出かけます for polite situations. Use 出かけよう if you are suggesting a trip to a friend.
When To Use It
Use this when someone asks about your hobbies or weekends. It is great for small talk at a party. Use it when describing your routine to a new acquaintance. It works well when you want to sound active but not overwhelmed. It is perfect for texting a friend about your recent life. Use it in a job interview to show you have work-life balance.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your daily commute to work. For work, use 出勤する (shukkin suru) instead. Avoid using it for very rare events. If you only go out once a year, use たまに (tama ni). Don't use it if you are just stepping out for a second. If you are just grabbing mail, ちょっと出る (chotto deru) is better. It sounds weird if you use it for mandatory, boring chores.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture values the distinction between uchi (home) and soto (outside). 出かける implies a conscious transition from the private to the public sphere. There is a certain aesthetic to 'going out' in Japan. People often dress up slightly even for simple errands. This phrase reflects a healthy social life without being excessive. It shows you appreciate the world outside your front door.
Common Variations
You might hear たまに出かける for even less frequent trips. よく出かける means you go out very often. 遊びに出かける specifically means going out to have fun or play. If you are going out for a drink, try 飲みに出かける. Each variation changes the frequency or the specific goal. Use ふらっと出かける if you are going out on a whim.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for most daily conversations. Use the dictionary form 'dekakeru' for friends and the '-masu' form for colleagues or superiors.
Keep it simple
Don't overcomplicate your answer to 'what do you do?'
Examples
6休日は時々出かけますが、家で過ごすのも好きです。
I go out sometimes on weekends, but I also like staying home.
A polite way to describe your lifestyle balance.
最近は忙しくて、時々しか出かけられないよ。
I've been busy lately, so I can only go out sometimes.
Using 'shika... nai' emphasizes that the outings are rare.
趣味は写真で、時々近所の公園へ出かけます。
My hobby is photography, and I sometimes go out to nearby parks.
Shows a healthy, active interest in a professional way.
冷蔵庫が空の時だけ、時々出かけるんだよね。
I only go out sometimes when the fridge is empty, you know?
Self-deprecating humor about being a homebody.
祖父は時々出かけるのを楽しみにしています。
My grandfather looks forward to going out sometimes.
Expresses the emotional importance of occasional trips.
健康のために、時々散歩に出かけるようにしています。
I try to go out for walks sometimes for my health.
Focuses on the intent and habit of going out.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
週末は家で本を読みますが、__________。
It fits the context of balancing home time with going out.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises週末は家で本を読みますが、__________。
It fits the context of balancing home time with going out.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use 'gaishutsu' for work.
Related Phrases
たまに出かける
synonymGo out occasionally
