때때로
ttaettaero[t͈ɛt͈ɛɾo̞]
In Korean, sometimes is expressed as 때때로 (ttaettaero). Wiktionary also lists 가끔씩은 (gakkeumssigeun).
Meaning: on certain occasions, but not always (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 때때로 | ttaettaero | [t͈ɛt͈ɛɾo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͈e̞t͈e̞ɾo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 가끔씩은 | gakkeumssigeun |
Both 때때로 and 가끔씩은 are used to describe things that happen on certain occasions but not always.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 때때로 is a reduplicated form where the repetition of the syllable 때 (time/moment) emphasizes the recurring nature of the action, literally meaning 'from time to time'.
Which one should you use?
The form 가끔씩은 adds the particle 는 to emphasize the frequency or to contrast 'sometimes' with other frequencies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 가끔씩은 includes the particle 는 to provide emphasis or contrast.
How do you pronounce it?
ttaettaero
Did you know?
- While 때때로 means 'sometimes', the word 때 is also a homonym for 'dirt' or 'grime' that rubs off the skin. In a completely different context, 때를 밀다 refers to the traditional Korean bathhouse practice of scrubbing off dead skin.
- If you are describing a habit that happens 'every once in a while', Koreans often use the phrase 어쩌다 or 어쩌다 보니. This shifts the meaning from a simple frequency to a sense of 'by chance' or 'unexpectedly'.
- The root word 때 (time) is also used in the expression 때가 됐다, which means 'the time has come' or 'it is time'. This phrase is often used to suggest that someone is finally old enough for marriage or a specific life milestone.
Examples in context
- 가끔 밖에서 식사하는 것이 좋아요.Sometimes, it's good to eat outside.
- 때때로 여행을 다니는 것이 좋아요.Sometimes, it's good to travel around.
- 나는 보통 주말에만 축구를 합니다. 가끔은 주중에도 뛰어요.I usually play soccer only on weekends. Sometimes, I play during weekdays too.
- 때때로 비가 와요.ttaet-ttae-ro bi-ga wa-yo.It sometimes rains.
- 그는 때때로 늦게 와요.geu-neun ttae-ttae-ro neut-ge wa-yo.He sometimes comes late.
- 때때로 고향이 그리워요.ttaet-ttae-ro go-hyang-i geu-ri-wo-yo.I sometimes miss my hometown.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about the weather in the city.
- 민지 Min-ji이곳은 날씨가 어때요?i-got-eun nal-ssi-ga eo-ttae-yo?How is the weather here?
- 도현 Do-hyeon때때로 바람이 많이 불어요.ttaet-ttae-ro ba-ram-i man-i bul-eo-yo.It sometimes gets very windy.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨는 바람을 좋아해요?do-hyeon ssi-neun ba-ram-eul jo-a-hae-yo?Do you like the wind, Dohyun?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 별로 안 좋아해요.a-ni-yo, byeol-lo an jo-a-hae-yo.No, I don't like it much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sometimes” translations and entries 때때로, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
