adjective HSK 5
rare · scarce · uncommon
Meaning
稀有 describes something that exists in very small quantities or is difficult to find. It emphasizes scarcity and preciousness, often used for natural resources, species, talents, or opportunities that are not commonly encountered.
Usage
Commonly used in formal and written contexts to describe rare animals, minerals, resources, or exceptional talents. Often appears in scientific, environmental, or economic discussions. Can be used attributively before nouns or predicatively after 是 or 很.
Examples
- 01大熊猫是中国的稀有动物，需要特别保护。, .The giant panda is a rare animal in China that needs special protection.
- 02这种稀有金属在电子工业中非常重要。.This rare metal is very important in the electronics industry.
Characters
Common collocations
- 稀有动物rare animal
- 稀有金属rare metal
- 稀有资源rare resource
- 稀有物种rare species
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 稀 (sparse/rare) with 有 (to exist), literally meaning 'sparsely existing' or 'rarely found'.