滅多

• Reading: めった
• Romaji: metta
• Kanji breakdown: 滅 (metsu/me) — destroy, disappear; 多 (ta/ō) — many, much
• Pronunciation: /me̞t̚ta/

Meaning

Rarely; seldom (as in 滅多にない). Also: reckless; thoughtless (less frequent nuance).

Most frequently used in the negative construction 滅多に〜ない (seldom, rarely) or the fixed noun phrase 滅多にないこと (a rare occurrence). The standalone form 滅多な can describe rash or reckless behaviour. N1 learners encounter it chiefly in written registers where 滅多にない emphasises extreme rarity.

Examples

1. これほど才能のある学生は滅多にいない。 Students this talented are seldom found.
2. 彼女が怒るなんて滅多にないことだ。 It is a rare occurrence for her to lose her temper.
3. 上司は滅多なことでは部下を褒めない人だった。 His supervisor was the type who seldom praised his subordinates for anything.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, formal writing, spoken language

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written with characters meaning 'destroyed' (滅) and 'many/much' (多), together suggesting something that almost no longer exists. The combination evolved in Buddhist-influenced vocabulary to mean extreme rarity or lack of restraint.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal