Japanese word

珍

Pronunciation

Romajichin

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveuncommon

Example

この絵は珍な作品です。ko no e wa chin na saku hin de su

This painting is uncommon.

Illustration for 珍 (uncommon)

More examples

この地方では、冬に雪が降るのは珍なことです。ko no chi hō de wa fuyu ni yuki ga fu ru no wa chin na ko to de su

In this region, snow in winter is uncommon.

Core concept

Describes something that stands out because it is not commonly encountered.

Common phrases

  • 珍な出来事chin na de ki goto

    an unusual event

  • 珍な光景chin na kō kei

    an uncommon sight

Similar words

稀少kishō: Describes something that occurs or exists only in small numbers.
稀mare: Describes something encountered very infrequently.
珍奇chinki: Describes something rare because it has an unusual or strange quality.

Definition in Japanese

普通とは異なり、出会う機会が少ないさま。fu tsū to wa koto na ri de a u ki kai ga suku na i sa ma

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese word, 珍 (chin, "rare") comes from Chinese zhēn, whose meanings include "rare" and "precious".

Usage tips

  • 珍 (chin) can suggest that something is unusual because it is seldom encountered, rather than merely unfamiliar to one person.

Opposites

Word lists with this word