Tokiori describes an action that occurs occasionally with irregular intervals in a slightly literary tone.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe something that happens intermittently.
- More elegant and literary than the word 'tokidoki'.
- Suitable for both formal writing and descriptive speech.
Overview
- 1概要：「ときおり」は漢字で「時折」と書き、ある出来事がずっと続いているわけではなく、間隔を置いてたまに発生することを意味します。リズム感のある言葉で、文中で使うことで文章に適度な余白や情緒的な響きを与えることができます。
使用パターン：主に文頭や動詞の前に置かれます。「ときおり〜する」という形で、動作の頻度を説明する際に使います。また、「ときおりの〜」のように名詞を修飾する形でも使われます。
- 1一般的な文脈：天候の変化（ときおり雨が降る）、感情（ときおり思い出す）、あるいは習慣的な行動（ときおり散歩に行く）など、日常的な出来事に対して非常に自然に使われます。硬すぎる表現ではないため、手紙やエッセイ、日常会話など幅広い場面で活躍します。
- 1類語との比較：「時々（ときどき）」は非常に一般的で頻度が高いのに対し、「ときおり」は少しだけ文学的で、落ち着いた響きがあります。「たまに」はより口語的でカジュアルな印象を与えます。「折に触れて（おりにふれて）」は、特定の機会があるたびにというニュアンスが強く、ときおりよりも「きっかけ」を意識した表現です。
Examples
ときおり、昔のことを思い出して笑ってしまう。
everydayI occasionally remember the past and laugh.
この地域では、ときおり激しい雨が降ります。
formalIn this region, it occasionally rains heavily.
ときおりの訪問が、彼を元気づけた。
informalThe occasional visits cheered him up.
ときおり見られる現象である。
academicIt is a phenomenon that is occasionally observed.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ときおり顔を見せる
to show one's face occasionally
ときおりの晴れ間
occasional breaks in the clouds
Often Confused With
The most common word for 'sometimes'. It is neutral and can be used in almost any situation.
More colloquial and informal. It suggests a lower frequency than 'tokidoki'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Tokiori is a versatile adverb that fits well in both formal and informal contexts. It has a slightly more literary or reflective tone than the everyday term 'tokidoki'. It is commonly used to describe natural phenomena or personal reflections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use it with negative verbs, which sounds unnatural. It is also sometimes confused with 'tokidoki', though they are interchangeable in most cases. Ensure you don't use it to describe a constant state.
Tips
Use for descriptive writing
Use 'tokiori' when you want to make your Japanese sound more sophisticated and descriptive. It adds a touch of elegance compared to the common 'tokidoki'.
Avoid excessive repetition
Do not use it in every sentence. Like all adverbs of frequency, it loses its impact if overused in a short paragraph.
Literary feel in Japanese
This word is often found in Japanese novels and essays to describe changing weather or nostalgic memories, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for fleeting moments.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Toki' (time) and 'Ori' (a fold or interval). It literally suggests time being folded or punctuated by events.
Cultural Context
The word captures the Japanese aesthetic of 'mono no aware', the transient nature of things. It is frequently used in literature to highlight the beauty of irregular, fleeting moments.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Toki' (time) and 'Ori' (folding/bending). Imagine folding time to bring two distant moments together occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「ときどき」は日常会話で最も頻繁に使われる一般的な言葉です。「ときおり」はそれに比べて少し書き言葉的で、情緒的なニュアンスを含みます。
はい、使えます。ただし、非常にフォーマルな報告書などでは「折に触れて」の方が適している場合もあります。
基本的には肯定文で動作の発生頻度を述べる際に使います。否定文で使うことはあまり一般的ではありません。
はい、「ときおりの雨」のように「〜の」をつけることで名詞を修飾することができます。これは「時折」という漢字の構成に基づいています。
Test Yourself
山の上では、___ 強い風が吹くことがあります。
「ときおり」は不定期に起こる事象を説明するのに適しています。
Score: /1
Summary
Tokiori describes an action that occurs occasionally with irregular intervals in a slightly literary tone.
- Used to describe something that happens intermittently.
- More elegant and literary than the word 'tokidoki'.
- Suitable for both formal writing and descriptive speech.
Use for descriptive writing
Use 'tokiori' when you want to make your Japanese sound more sophisticated and descriptive. It adds a touch of elegance compared to the common 'tokidoki'.
Avoid excessive repetition
Do not use it in every sentence. Like all adverbs of frequency, it loses its impact if overused in a short paragraph.
Literary feel in Japanese
This word is often found in Japanese novels and essays to describe changing weather or nostalgic memories, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for fleeting moments.
Examples
4 of 4ときおり、昔のことを思い出して笑ってしまう。
I occasionally remember the past and laugh.
この地域では、ときおり激しい雨が降ります。
In this region, it occasionally rains heavily.
ときおりの訪問が、彼を元気づけた。
The occasional visits cheered him up.
ときおり見られる現象である。
It is a phenomenon that is occasionally observed.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
