()わった

かわった
pre-noun adjectival, i-adjective
unusual; strange; peculiar; unique
1. unusual; strange; peculiar; unique
Describes something that differs from the norm in an interesting or noteworthy way. Milder and often more neutral or even positive than 変な, which more strongly suggests something is wrong or weird.
()わった名前(なまえ)だね。
That's an unusual name.
(かれ)()わった趣味(しゅみ)()っている。
He has an unusual hobby.
この(みせ)()わった料理(りょうり)がたくさんあって面白(おもしろ)い。
This restaurant has many unusual dishes, which makes it interesting.

The past tense form of ()わる (to change) used as a standalone adjective meaning unusual or peculiar. Functions as a prenominal modifier before nouns. Milder than (へん) — implies something is different from the norm, often with a neutral or even positive nuance of being distinctive.

USAGE:
Used attributively before nouns: ()わった + noun. Can describe people, things, habits, or ideas that are out of the ordinary. Less negative than (へん)な, which more strongly suggests something is wrong or weird.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ()わった(ひと): an unusual/eccentric person
  • ()わった名前(なまえ): an unusual name
  • ()わった趣味(しゅみ): an unusual hobby
  • ()わった(あじ): an unusual flavor
  • ()わった(かたち): an unusual shape

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (へん)な: strange, weird — more negative; implies something is wrong or off-putting
  • (めずら)しい: rare, unusual — emphasizes rarity rather than strangeness
  • ユニークな: unique — emphasizes one-of-a-kind distinctiveness, always positive