偶に

• Reading: たまに
• Romaji: tamani
• Kanji breakdown: 偶 (guu/tama) — accidentally, occasionally
• Pronunciation: /ta.ma.ni/

Meaning

Occasionally; once in a while; rarely.

Usually written in hiragana as たまに. Indicates something that happens infrequently but not never. Frequency-wise: いつも (always) > よく (often) > 時々 (sometimes) > たまに (occasionally) > めったに (rarely).

Examples

1. たまに外食することがある。 I eat out once in a while.
2. たまには休んだほうがいい。 You should take a break every now and then.
3. 彼はたまにしか来ない。 He hardly ever comes.

Usage Guide

Context: frequency, daily life, habits

Tone: casual

Origin & History

From 偶 (by chance, accidental). The に makes it an adverb.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal