(ちんぴん)

ちんぴん
noun
rare item; curiosity; rarity
1. rare item; curiosity; rarity
An unusual or hard-to-find object, especially one valued for its rarity. Often used for collectibles, antiques, unusual foods, or uncommon goods.
この(みせ)には珍品(ちんぴん)(おお)い。
This shop has many rare items.
骨董市(こっとういち)(おも)いがけない珍品(ちんぴん)()つけた。
I found an unexpected rarity at the antique market.
世界中(せかいじゅう)から(あつ)めた珍品(ちんぴん)のコレクションが博物館(はくぶつかん)展示(てんじ)されている。
A collection of rare items gathered from around the world is on display at the museum.

Combines (ちん) (rare, unusual) and (ぴん) (item, article). Used to describe objects valued primarily for their scarcity or novelty rather than practical usefulness. Commonly encountered at antique shops, flea markets, specialty stores, and in descriptions of museum collections.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 珍品(ちんぴん)(あつ)める: to collect rare items
  • 珍品(ちんぴん)()つける: to find a rarity
  • 珍品(ちんぴん)ぞろい: full of rare items
  • 世界(せかい)珍品(ちんぴん): curiosities of the world

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 珍味(ちんみ): rare delicacy — specifically for unusual foods
  • 逸品(いっぴん): gem, masterpiece — emphasizes quality rather than rarity
  • 希少品(きしょうひん): scarce item — more neutral, often used commercially