Translation guide
Ways to express that something is out of the ordinary, strange, or unexpected in Japanese.
The speaker wants to say that a thing, situation, or event is not normal, is odd, or stands out from the ordinary.
The most common and neutral word for 'unusual' or 'rare'. It often implies that something is not often seen or experienced, and can carry a positive nuance of being special or interesting.
This is an unusual flower, isn't it?
Means 'unusual' or 'peculiar' in a slightly more subjective way. It often describes something that deviates from the norm in an interesting or quirky manner. Can be used for people, objects, or situations.
He has unusual hobbies.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not ordinary' or 'not normal'. It is more direct and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
His behavior is unusual.
A formal noun meaning 'unprecedented' or 'exceptional'. Used in news or official contexts to describe events or decisions that break with precedent.
The speaker senses that something is not right, possibly strange in a negative or suspicious way.
A very common na-adjective meaning 'strange', 'weird', or 'odd'. It often implies that something is not as it should be, and can be used for situations, people, or feelings.
The speaker wants to describe a person whose behavior or character is unconventional or eccentric.
The speaker emphasizes the infrequency or rarity of an event or object.
A na-adjective or noun meaning 'rare' or 'uncommon'. It is often used in slightly formal contexts and can describe things that are statistically infrequent.
It's unusual for him to be late.
This store has a lot of unusual products.
This decision is unusual/unprecedented.
今日はなんだか変だ。
Something feels strange today.
I think that story is a bit strange.
Means 'strange', 'funny', or 'suspicious'. It can indicate that something is amusingly odd or that something is wrong and possibly suspicious. Context determines the nuance.
The machine is acting strange.
His excuse sounds suspicious.
A somewhat literary or formal word for 'strange' or 'odd'. It often describes something that is subtly off or mysterious.
I heard a strange noise.
A noun meaning 'eccentric', 'oddball', or 'weirdo'. It is commonly used to describe someone who is quirky or unconventional, often in a light-hearted or mildly critical way.
He's a bit of an oddball, but he's a good person.
A more direct and slightly negative word for 'weirdo' or 'strange person'. It can be insulting, so use with care.
That person is thought to be a weirdo.
これは稀なケースです。
This is a rare case.
A phrase meaning 'rarely happens' or 'hardly ever'. It is used with verbs to describe infrequent actions or events.
He rarely gets angry. (It's unusual for him to get angry.)
There's a strange sound.
Direct translations like '普通じゃない' can sound blunt or unnatural in casual conversation. Use 珍しい or 変わった for most everyday situations.
This dish has an unusual taste.