稀有

• Reading: けう
• Romaji: keu
• Kanji breakdown: 稀 (ke) — rare, scarce; 有 (u) — to exist, to have
• Pronunciation: /ke.ɯ/

Meaning

Rare; uncommon; extraordinary; unique. Describes something or someone that exists only very rarely and is therefore especially valuable or notable.

A na-adjective expressing extreme rarity. Stronger than 珍しい (unusual) or 希少 (scarce) — 稀有 implies that something is so rare as to be nearly singular. Used in literary, formal, and written registers to praise exceptional talent, unusual circumstances, or once-in-a-lifetime coincidences.

Examples

1. 彼は稀有な才能を持つ音楽家として、世界から注目されている。 He is drawing worldwide attention as a musician with a rare gift.
2. そのような稀有な組み合わせが揃う機会は、めったにない。 Opportunities where such a rare combination comes together are few and far between.
3. 稀有なことに、彼女はその場で全員を説得することに成功した。 Remarkably, she managed to convince everyone on the spot.

Usage Guide

Context: literary writing, journalism, academic description, formal praise

Tone: admiring, elevated

Origin & History

Classical compound of 稀 (ke/mare — rare, scarce) and 有 (u/aru — to exist, to have). Together they express the quality of existing only very rarely.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Literary/Academic