De temps en temps.
From time to time.
Language note: Equivalent to 'sometimes'.
Culture note: Widely used to express casual frequency in activities.
Context: They respond to your inquiry by letting you know they come here occasionally.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
De
[duh]
from
Begins a statement about frequency.
Ils se rencontrent "de temps" en temps pour discuter.
They meet 'from time' to time to discuss.
temps
[tohn]
time
Used again to emphasize the occasional nature of an action.
Il revient "de temps en temps" pour visiter.
He returns 'from time to time' to visit.
en
[ahn]
in
Connects parts of an expression about frequency.
Je le vois "en temps" pour la réunion.
I see him 'in time' for the meeting.
temps
[tohn]
time
Used again to emphasize the occasional nature of an action.
Il revient "de temps en temps" pour visiter.
He returns 'from time to time' to visit.
Phrase Parts
De temps
En temps.
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