How to Say "infrequent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “infrequent” is “ocasional” — use 'ocasional' when referring to something that happens from time to time or is done as a secondary activity, often implying a planned or regular, though not constant, occurrence.
ocasional
oh-kah-syoh-NAHLokasjoˈnal
Examples
Tengo un trabajo ocasional los fines de semana.
I have an occasional job on weekends.
Es un corredor ocasional; no entrena todos los días.
He is a casual runner; he doesn't train every day.
El pronóstico anuncia lluvias ocasionales para esta tarde.
The forecast announces occasional rains for this afternoon.
One Shape for Both Genders
In Spanish, many adjectives change their ending based on gender, but 'ocasional' is easy—it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine word.
Where to Put the Word
You will usually see this word placed after the person or thing it is describing, like 'un encuentro ocasional' (an occasional meeting).
The 'O' vs 'A' Trap
Mistake: “una visita ocasionala”
Correction: una visita ocasional. Even though 'visita' is feminine, the word 'ocasional' does not change its ending to 'a'.
raro
RRA-rohˈra.ɾo
Examples
Es raro ver nevar en esta ciudad.
It's rare to see snow in this city.
Encontrar un diamante de este tamaño es extremadamente raro.
Finding a diamond of this size is extremely rare.
Rara vez salgo a cenar durante la semana.
I rarely go out to dinner during the week.
Placement is Key
Usually, 'raro' comes after the thing it describes, like in 'una flor rara' (a rare flower). However, in the very common phrase 'rara vez' (rarely), it comes first.
Strange vs. Infrequent
Mistake: “Mi profesor es raro. Solo da exámenes una vez al mes.”
Correction: This sentence could be confusing. Does it mean the professor is a weird person? Or that it's infrequent for him to give exams? For clarity, you could say: 'Es raro que mi profesor dé exámenes tan infrecuentemente' (It's strange that my professor gives exams so infrequently).
Ocasional vs. Raro
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