Translation guide
The English word 'seldom' means 'not often' or 'rarely'. In Japanese, this concept is most naturally expressed with adverbs like あまり (amari) in negative sentences, or めったに (metta ni) for stronger emphasis. Direct translations exist but are less common in everyday speech.
Expressing that an action or event happens infrequently.
The most common and natural way to say 'seldom' in Japanese. あまり means 'not very much' and is used with a negative verb to indicate low frequency.
I seldom watch TV.
He seldom goes out.
Stronger than あまり, meaning 'hardly ever' or 'rarely'. Used for things that almost never happen.
He seldom gets angry.
Kanji form of めったに. Same meaning and usage, but the kanji is less common in modern writing; usually written in kana.
Means 'rarely' or 'on rare occasions'. Can be used in both positive and negative sentences, but often implies something happens occasionally, not never.
He seldom calls me (but sometimes does).
An adjective phrase meaning 'rare' or 'seldom occurring'. Used to describe nouns.
This is a rare chance (a chance that seldom comes).
あまり is used for general infrequency ('not often'), while めったに emphasizes extreme rarity ('hardly ever'). あまり can also be used with adjectives (e.g., あまり美味しくない 'not very tasty'), but めったに is only for frequency.
It's not very tasty.
She seldom eats breakfast.
この町ではめったに雪が降りません。
It seldom snows in this town.
滅多にない機会です。
It's a rare opportunity (lit. an opportunity that seldom comes).
めったに美味しくない。
It's seldom not tasty. (Awkward; not natural)
English 'seldom' is an adverb, but directly translating it as まれに or めったに without a negative verb can sound unnatural. Always pair frequency adverbs with the appropriate verb form.
最近、私たちはめったに会いません。
We seldom see each other these days.