noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
extraordinary; uncommon; rare; matchless
Describes something so exceptional that it is rarely seen in any era; often used for remarkable talent, beauty, or events. Can be used as a noun or adjectivally with な or の.
彼は希代の天才と呼ばれている。
He is called an extraordinary genius.
希代な美しさを持つ絵画だ
It is a painting of rare beauty.
Alternate kanji spelling using the older form of the character; less common but still encountered.
Compound of 希 (rare, uncommon) and 代 (era, generation), literally 'rare era'. The spelling 稀代 uses the older form of the same character. The reading きだい is a less common variant.