parfois
/paʁ.fwa/
The English word 'occasionally' is translated into French as parfois.
parfois is an adverb used to describe something that happens at relatively infrequent intervals. You can use it to express 'occasionally' or 'sometimes'. Other ways to express similar ideas include Ponctuellement for 'occasionally', À l'occasion for 'on occasion', De manière occasionnelle for 'in an occasional manner' and De manière épisodique for 'episodically'.
Meaning: at relatively infrequent intervals (adv)
Which one should you use?
While parfois and quelquefois are synonyms meaning 'sometimes' or 'occasionally', parfois is often perceived as being slightly more frequent or more common in modern speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, parfois does not change its form based on gender or number. It is flexible in its placement within a sentence: it can be placed before or after the conjugated verb, or at the beginning of a sentence to provide emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /paʁ.fwa/.
Did you know?
- The word ponctuellement can mean 'occasionally' in a professional context, but in most other settings, it means 'punctually' or 'on time'.
- French speakers may use the phrase à l'occasion not just to mean 'occasionally', but as a casual way to suggest meeting up soon without a fixed date.
- The word parfois is a contraction of the two words par and fois, literally meaning 'by times'.
Examples in context
- Je parle parfois français.I occasionally speak French.This sentence shows the placement of parfois after a conjugated verb.Tatoeba #8737327 by Julien_PDC, translation #6221125 by CK
- La mère relut parfois la lettre de son fils.The mother occasionally reread her son's letter.Tatoeba #1532653 by sacredceltic, translation #1532036 by LittleBoy
- Parfois, les choses ne se déroulent pas comme prévu.Occasionally, things don't go as planned.This sentence shows how parfois can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.Tatoeba #3974622 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #3974125 by ezgita
- De temps en temps, je vais au cinéma pour me détendre après une longue journée de travail.Occasionally, I go to the cinema to relax after a long day of work.
- Parfois, je mange des bonbons pour me faire plaisir.Sometimes, I eat candies to treat myself.
- De temps en temps, on se retrouve pour boire un verre ensemble.Occasionally, we meet up to have a drink together.
- Je fais du vélo de temps à autre pour rester en forme.I occasionally cycle to stay fit.
- Le professeur propose des cours de soutien de manière occasionnelle.The teacher offers support classes in an occasional manner.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about their exercise habits.
- HugoEst-ce que tu fais du sport ?Do you exercise?
- ChloéOui, je vais parfois à la gym.Yes, I occasionally go to the gym.
- HugoC'est bien, moi j'y vais tous les jours.That's good, I go every day.
- ChloéTu es très motivé, Hugo !You are very motivated, Hugo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry parfois, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parfois, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
