Meaning

Primary

Unusual

Alternatives

Rare, Peculiar

Word Type

prefix

Explanation

Something rare is often unusual. This word could also mean rare (of course) and peculiar depending on the context.

These days, media often uses this word to describe the way something is unusual, quirky, and funny.

Reading

ちん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for this kanji is the same as the one you learned with the kanji. That in itself isn't too rare, wouldn't you say?

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 珍プレー

    unusual play, funny play

    珍道具

    peculiar tool, peculiar gadget

    珍種

    rare species

    珍回答

    peculiar answer

    珍味

    delicacy

    珍道中

    eventful trip

Context Sentences

私の彼氏の苗字は「御手洗」という珍名です。

My boyfriend’s family name is 御手洗, which is an unusual name.

この金魚は珍種で、一匹5万円です。

This type of gold fish is a rare variety, and it's 50,000 yen.

去年、教授は「自動犬散歩マシン」という珍道具を発明しました。

Last year, the professor invented a quirky gadget called "automatic dog walker."

昨夜、テレビで野球の名プレーと珍プレーを放送してたよ。

Last night they were showing both great and unusual baseball plays on TV.

Kanji Composition