1.
rare, uncommon, extraordinary, exceptional
Describes something extremely rare or unusual in occurrence. Carries a formal, literary tone and is often used to emphasize just how exceptional something is.
稀有な才能の持ち主だ。
A person of rare talent.
こんな経験は稀有なことだ。
An experience like this is truly rare.
世界的にも稀有な自然環境が、この島には残されている。
A natural environment rare even by world standards remains on this island.
USAGE:
Functions as a na-adjective (稀有な). This is a formal, literary word — in everyday conversation, 珍しい is far more common. 稀有 is chosen when the speaker wants to emphasize how truly exceptional something is.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 稀有な才能: rare talent
- 稀有な存在: a rare existence
- 稀有な例: a rare case
- 稀有な体験: a rare experience
READING NOTE:
Also sometimes read きゆう, but けう is the standard modern reading.
SIMILAR WORDS:
珍しい is the everyday word for "rare" or "unusual." 稀有 is more elevated and emphasizes extraordinary rarity. 希少 means "scarce" and is used more for resources, species, and quantities.