1.
rare; scarce; uncommon; precious
Existing in very small numbers or quantity, making something valuable or hard to find.
稀少な動物を保護する。
To protect rare animals.
この鉱物は世界的に稀少だ。
This mineral is rare worldwide.
稀少価値の高い切手がオークションに出品された。
A stamp of high rarity value was put up for auction.
USAGE:
Also written 希少, which is more common in modern usage. Both spellings are correct. Often used in environmental, scientific, and collecting contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 稀少価値 (rarity value)
- 稀少種 (rare species)
- 稀少金属 (rare metals)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 珍しい: rare, unusual — more everyday and conversational
- レア: rare — loanword, casual