めったにない
metta ni nai
The English phrase "not often" is translated into Japanese as めったにない (metta ni nai).
めったにない is used to describe something that happens very rarely.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase めったに is grammatically paired with a negative verb or adjective to express "rarely" or "not often". The form めったにない is the conclusive or attributive form, often used at the end of a sentence or to modify a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
metta ni nai
Did you know?
- The word めった was originally used to describe a reckless or violent action. Over time, this shifted from 'recklessly' to 'extraordinarily' and eventually to the modern meaning of 'rarely' when paired with a negative.
- If a Japanese speaker wants to emphasize that something is truly exceptional, they might use めったにない to describe a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity rather than just a low frequency.
- In very formal or written Japanese, the phrase めったに is sometimes replaced by まれに to express rarity, as めったに can sound slightly more conversational.
Examples in context
- こんなに寒い日はめったにない。Konna ni samui hi wa metta ni nai.Days this cold are very rare.
- 彼が遅刻することはめったにない。Kare ga chikoku suru koto wa metta ni nai.It is rare for him to be late.
- 店が混んでいることはめったにない。Mise ga konde iru koto wa metta ni nai.It is rare for the shop to be crowded.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are discussing a local restaurant.
- 美咲 Misakiあのお店は、行列ができることはめったにないよね？Ano omise wa, gyoretsu ga dekiru koto wa metta ni nai yo ne?It's rare for that shop to have a line, right?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、美咲、あそこはいつも空いているよ。Un, Misaki, asoko wa itsumo aite iru yo.Yeah, Misaki, that place is always empty.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、今から行ってみよう！Jaa, ima kara itte miyou!Then, let's go there now!
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ、行こう。Ii yo, ikou.Sure, let's go.
