Meaning

Primary

Rare

Alternatives

Unusual, Curious

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of rare? It's rare. But, this can also mean unusual or curious (as in "odd" curious, not that you're curious about something).

Reading

めずらしい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

You know what's unusual and rare? This maze is rare (めずら). I don't think there's a way out of it. We've been walking around for days now, and we haven't gotten any closer to the exit!

Context

Context Sentences

この辺ではベーコンの乗ったドーナッツはそう珍しいものではありませんよ。

It’s not rare to see bacon on donuts around here.

Kanji Composition