稀 有(けう)

けう

na-adjective

rare, uncommon, extraordinary

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(けう)な才能(さいのう)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)だ。

A person of rare talent.

こんな経験(けいけん)は稀有(けう)なことだ。

An experience like this is truly rare.

世界的(せかいてき)にも稀有(けう)な自然環境(しぜんかんきょう)が、この島(しま)には残(のこ)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(けう)な). This is a formal, literary word — in everyday conversation, 珍(めずら)しい is far more common. 稀有(けう) is chosen when the speaker wants to emphasize how truly exceptional something is.

Common collocations

稀有(けう)な才能(さいのう): rare talent
稀有(けう)な存在(そんざい): a rare existence
稀有(けう)な例(れい): a rare case
稀有(けう)な体験(たいけん): a rare experience

Pronunciation

Also sometimes read きゆう, but けう is the standard modern reading.

Similar words

珍(めずら)しい is the everyday word for "rare" or "unusual." 稀有(けう) is more elevated and emphasizes extraordinary rarity. 希少(きしょう) means "scarce" and is used more for resources, species, and quantities.

Related Words

Compare: 希代(きだい) (rare)

general

Added 2026.2.27 12:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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