On occasion Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /əˈkeɪʒən
on uh-KAY-zhuhn
ˈɒn/ /əkˈeɪʒən
on uh-KAY-zhuhn
Definition
Used to say that something happens sometimes, but not regularly; it means 'occasionally' or 'from time to time'.
Usage & Nuances
A formal or mildly formal alternative to 'sometimes' or 'every now and then'. Common in writing or formal speech. It is not used at the start of questions. More formal than 'once in a while'.
Spanish: de vez en cuando - ocasionalmentePortuguese (BR): de vez em quando - ocasionalmentePortuguese (PT): de vez em quando - ocasionalmenteChinese (Simplified): 偶尔 - 有时候Chinese (Traditional): 偶爾 - 有時候Hindi: कभी-कभी - कुछ मौकों परArabic: أحيانًا - بين الحين والآخرBengali: মাঝে মাঝে - কখনও কখনওRussian: иногда - время от времениJapanese: 時々 - たまにVietnamese: thỉnh thoảng - đôi khiKorean: 가끔 - 때때로Turkish: ara sıra - bazenUrdu: کبھی کبھار - بعض اوقاتIndonesian: kadang-kadang - sesekali
Example Sentences
I eat dessert on occasion.
basic
We go to the movies on occasion.
basic
She calls her grandmother on occasion.
basic
On occasion, I'll splurge and buy something expensive for myself.
natural
The restaurant is usually quiet, but on occasion it gets really busy.
natural
You might see him at the gym on occasion, but not often.
natural