Translation guide
The English word 'unusual' describes something that is not common, ordinary, or expected. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are talking about something rare, strange, remarkable, or simply different from the norm. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these nuances.
Describing something that is rare, infrequent, or not typical.
The most common and versatile word for 'unusual' in the sense of rare or uncommon. It can be used for events, objects, or situations.
これは珍しい花ですね。
This is an unusual flower, isn't it?
彼が遅刻するのは珍しい。
It's unusual for him to be late.
Means 'rare' and is slightly more formal or literary than 珍しい. Often used in written language or formal speech.
これは稀なケースです。
This is an unusual case.
Literally 'not ordinary'. A straightforward way to say something is not normal or typical. Can sound a bit direct.
彼の行動は普通ではない。
His behavior is unusual.
Describing something that is odd, weird, or out of the ordinary in a way that attracts attention.
Means 'strange' or 'peculiar'. Often used for things that are different from the norm in an interesting or quirky way. 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.
Means 'strange' or 'odd', often with a nuance of being mysterious or eerie. Slightly more formal than 変わった.
奇妙な音が聞こえた。
I heard an unusual sound.
A very common casual word for 'strange' or 'weird'. Can be used in many contexts but is informal.
変な天気だね。
Unusual weather, isn't it?
Describing something that stands out because it is extraordinary, impressive, or unusually good/bad.
Means 'unprecedented' or 'exceptional'. Often used in formal contexts like news or business to describe an unusual event or decision.
異例の措置が取られた。
Unusual measures were taken.
Means 'extraordinary' or 'out of the ordinary'. Used for exceptional abilities, efforts, or qualities.
彼は並外れた才能を持っている。
He has unusual talent.
Means 'unique' or 'peculiar', often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe something distinct or anomalous.
特異な症状が見られる。
Unusual symptoms are observed.
Describing a situation or behavior that deviates from the norm or from what is expected.
Literally 'different from usual'. A very natural way to say something is not as it normally is. Commonly used in daily conversation.
今日はいつもと違う道を通った。
Today I took an unusual route.
彼の様子がいつもと違う。
He seems unusual today.
Similar to いつもと違う, meaning 'different from usual'. 普段 refers to ordinary or everyday state.
普段と違うことをしてみたい。
I want to do something unusual.
珍しい (mezurashii) emphasizes rarity or infrequency, while 変わった (kawatta) emphasizes strangeness or peculiarity. For example, a rare species of bird is 珍しい, but a bird that acts strangely is 変わった.
この鳥は珍しい。
This bird is unusual (rare).
この鳥は変わった鳴き声だ。
This bird has an unusual (strange) cry.
While 普通じゃない (futsuu janai) can mean 'unusual', it can sound blunt or negative, implying something is abnormal or wrong. Use 珍しい or 変わった for neutral descriptions.