時折

• Reading: ときおり
• Romaji: tokiori
• Kanji breakdown: 時 (toki/ji) — time, occasion; 折 (ori/setsu) — occasion, fold, turning point
• Pronunciation: /to.ki.o.ɾi/

Meaning

Sometimes; occasionally; from time to time. Indicates something happening at intervals.

An adverb meaning 'from time to time' or 'at intervals.' More literary and formal than 時々 (tokidoki), which is the everyday equivalent. Often appears in written Japanese, news, and narrative — 時折雨が降る (it rains from time to time), 時折見せる笑顔 (an occasional smile). Creates a more refined, contemplative impression than its casual counterpart.

Examples

1. 時折吹く風が心地よかった。 The occasional breeze was pleasant.
2. 彼は時折窓の外を眺めていた。 He would occasionally gaze out the window.
3. 晴れているが時折雲がかかる天気だった。 It was sunny weather with clouds passing through from time to time.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, weather reports, narrative

Tone: descriptive

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 時 (toki, time/occasion) + 折 (ori, occasion/fold/turning point). The compound means 'at the turning points of time' — at occasional intervals, suggesting a natural, unhurried rhythm.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated