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.
これは珍しい花ですね。
This is an unusual flower, isn't it?
彼が遅刻するなんて珍しい。
It's unusual for him to be late.
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.
彼は変わった趣味を持っている。
He has unusual hobbies.
この店には変わった商品がたくさんある。
This store has a lot of unusual products.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'not ordinary' or 'not normal'. It is more direct and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
彼の行動は普通ではない。
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.
今回の決定は異例だ。
This decision is unusual/unprecedented.
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.
今日はなんだか変だ。
Something feels strange today.
その話はちょっと変だと思う。
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.
A somewhat literary or formal word for 'strange' or 'odd'. It often describes something that is subtly off or mysterious.
妙な物音がした。
I heard a strange noise.
The speaker wants to describe a person whose behavior or character is unconventional or eccentric.
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.
彼はちょっと変わり者だけど、いい人だ。
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.
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.
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.
彼は滅多に怒らない。
He rarely gets angry. (It's unusual for him to get angry.)
珍しい (mezurashii) is neutral or positive, meaning 'rare' or 'unusual' in an interesting way. 変 (hen) often implies something is wrong, suspicious, or not right. Use 珍しい for a rare flower, and 変 for a strange noise.
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.
この料理は変わった味がする。
This dish has an unusual taste.
The machine is acting strange.
彼の言い訳はおかしい。
His excuse sounds suspicious.
あの人は変人だと思われている。
That person is thought to be a weirdo.