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How to Say ‘Only sometimes.’ in Japanese

ときどきです。

tokidoki desu

[toh-kee-doh-kee dess]

💬 Usage Tip: Short answer style: [ときどきです]. You can also add context: [ごはんのあとにときどきです].

🇯🇵 In Japan: Brief, clear replies are appreciated at busy drugstores where there may be a line behind you.

Phrase Breakdown

ときどき

tokidoki

[toh-kee-doh-kee]

sometimes; occasionally

Used as a short answer about frequency: ときどきです = “Sometimes.”

Example

ときどきです。

Sometimes.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

Polite ending used to answer clearly in a pharmacy/clinic.

Example

ときどきです。

Sometimes.

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