How to say "sporadic" in Japanese

• 散発さんぱつCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers the sense of 'sporadic' meaning occurring at irregular intervals, in isolated bursts. Typical of outbreaks, protests, or fighting that flares up occasionally rather than continuously.
• まばらCommon
  na-adjectiveMatches the sense of 'sporadic' as scattered, but its core meaning is sparse or thin. Best for spatial distribution—a sparse audience or scattered houses—rather than for events happening only occasionally.
  ９月がつの海うみは、人ひとがまばらだね。↗

  In September, there are just a few people here and there on the beach.

Use 散発 for events such as protests or outbreaks occurring irregularly and in isolation, and 「まばら」 when describing people or things physically scattered and thin, such as a sparse crowd.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 散発さんぱつsporadic
• まばらsparse
• 散発的さんぱつてきsporadic
• 飛び飛びとびとびsporadic
• 発作的ほっさてきspasmodic
• ぱらぱらsparse