稀(まれ)

稀(まれ) is a na-adjective meaning rare or uncommon.

FORMS:

• 稀(まれ)な + noun (rare ~)
• 稀(まれ)に (rarely, seldom - adverbial)
• 稀(まれ)だ (is rare)

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 稀(まれ)な例(れい) (rare case)
• 稀(まれ)に見(み)る (rarely seen)
• 稀(まれ)にしか～ない (only rarely ~)
• 稀(まれ)なことだ (it's a rare thing)

SIMILAR WORDS:

• 稀(まれ) vs. 珍(めずら)しい: 珍(めずら)しい emphasizes unusualness or curiosity value; 稀(まれ) focuses on low frequency of occurrence.
• 稀(まれ) vs. めったに: めったに～ない means "rarely" (always with negative); 稀(まれ)に can be used in affirmative sentences.

KANJI VARIANTS:
{稀} can also be written as {希}. Both are acceptable.

Register: Neutral to slightly formal. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.