1.
rare, scarce, uncommon
Existing in very small numbers or quantities and therefore valuable or hard to obtain. Used for natural resources, species, items, and talents.
希少な動物を守る。
To protect rare animals.
この鉱物は世界的に希少だ。
This mineral is rare on a global scale.
希少価値の高いワインが高額で取引されている。
Wines of high rarity value are being traded at high prices.
USAGE:
Often written as 稀少 with an alternate kanji. Used as a na-adjective (希少な～) or in compound nouns. More formal and literary than 珍しい, which is the everyday word for "rare."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 希少種: rare species
- 希少価値: rarity value
- 希少金属: rare metal
- 希少資源: scarce resources
- 希少な存在: rare existence