Translation guide
A chemical element that is scarce in nature or difficult to extract. In Japanese, the term is expressed through specific compounds or descriptive phrases depending on context.
Referring to a rare chemical element in scientific or technical contexts.
Standard term for 'rare element' in chemistry and materials science.
希少元素の需要が高まっている。
Demand for rare elements is increasing.
Describing something that is very uncommon or hard to find, not necessarily a chemical element.
Used when 'element' means a component or factor that is rare, e.g., in a story or situation.
この映画には珍しい要素が含まれている。
This movie contains a rare element.
希少元素 is the broad scientific term for any rare element. レアアース specifically refers to the group of 17 rare earth elements. Use レアアース only when talking about those specific metals.
希少元素にはレアアース以外のものも含まれる。
Rare elements include things other than rare earths.
Specifically refers to rare earth elements (lanthanides, scandium, yttrium). Often used in industrial contexts.
スマートフォンにはレアアースが使われている。
Rare earth elements are used in smartphones.
Literally 'rare metal', often used for economically important scarce metals like lithium or cobalt.
希少金属の安定供給が課題だ。
Stable supply of rare metals is a challenge.
Suitable for rare ingredients or constituents in food, products, etc.
この化粧品にはまれな成分が配合されている。
This cosmetic contains a rare element.