Refers to something rare or unusual, often as a noun in set phrases or compounds rather than as a freely used everyday adjective.
Rare delicacies from land and sea were laid out at the banquet.
Rare items from around the world are lined up on the shelves.
The whole classroom laughed at his odd answer.
The local paper gave prominent coverage to the curious incident.
希少 is a formal term emphasizing scarcity, whereas 珍 in compounds often carries an amusing or curious nuance rather than just rarity.
変 means 'strange/weird' without implying rarity, while 珍 (as in 珍事件) combines oddness with the sense that something is unusual or noteworthy.
bizarre; odd; fantastic
delicacy; rare treat
strange incident; unusual occurrence; rare event · grave incident; serious accident; unexpected tragedy
rare animal; peculiar animal
prizing; valuing highly; esteeming
curio; rare article; collector's item
strange; rare; novel; curious
rare treasure; precious object
unexpected but welcome visitor; rare guest
Sino-Japanese reading ちん of the kanji 珍, conventionally associated with rarity and unusualness. No detailed historical derivation is specified.
odd theory; strange view; absurd opinion · strange story; bizarre tale
the seven treasures (Buddhism) · the seven delicacies
eight delicacies
velveteen
rare article; rare utensil
actor known for bizarre performances
unusual name; strange name; unconventional name
strange question; odd question; curious question
unusual receptacle; unusual utensil
112th birthday (and beyond)
rare book; unusual book