Translation guide
Describes something that is not often seen, found, or experienced; rare or unusual.
Expressing that something is rare, infrequent, or not commonly encountered.
The most common and versatile word for 'uncommon' or 'rare'. Used for things, events, or situations that are not often seen or experienced.
この辺りでは雪が降るのは珍しい。
It's uncommon for it to snow around here.
彼が遅刻するのは珍しい。
It's uncommon for him to be late.
A slightly more formal or literary word for 'rare' or 'uncommon'. Often used in written language or to emphasize scarcity.
この病気は非常に稀です。
This disease is very uncommon.
稀なケースとして扱われた。
It was treated as an uncommon case.
A common phrase meaning 'not very common' or 'not often'. Used in everyday conversation.
そんなことはあまりないよ。
That's uncommon / doesn't happen often.
この地域では地震はあまりない。
Earthquakes are uncommon in this area.
Emphasizes extreme rarity; 'hardly ever'. Often used with negative verb forms.
彼女は滅多に怒らない。
It's uncommon for her to get angry.
Describing something that stands out because it is not common or expected.
Also covers 'unusual' or 'novel'. Can be used for things that are interesting because they are not common.
珍しい名前ですね。
That's an uncommon name, isn't it?
今日は珍しく早く起きた。
I woke up early today, which is uncommon for me.
Means 'unusual', 'peculiar', or 'different'. Often implies something is a bit strange or out of the ordinary.
彼は変わった趣味を持っている。
He has uncommon hobbies.
A formal or technical term meaning 'unique', 'peculiar', or 'uncommon'. Used in academic or medical contexts.
珍しい (mezurashii) is the everyday word for 'rare' or 'uncommon'. 稀 (mare) is more formal and often used in writing or to emphasize extreme rarity. In casual speech, 珍しい is preferred.
珍しい鳥を見た。
I saw an uncommon bird.
稀な鳥が生息している。
A rare bird inhabits the area.
Avoid directly translating 'uncommon' as 非一般的 (hi-ippanteki) or 普通でない (futsuu denai). While understandable, they sound unnatural. Use 珍しい or 稀 instead.
ここで雪を見るのは珍しい。
It's uncommon to see snow here.
そのような才能は稀だ。
Such talent is uncommon.
Uncommon symptoms were observed.