raro
/ˈra.ro/
The Italian word for 'rare' is raro.
raro is used to describe things that are very uncommon. It can also be used figuratively to describe a person who is 'one of a kind' or 'special' in a positive or sometimes ironic sense.
Meaning: very uncommon (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use rara for feminine singular nouns, rare for feminine plural nouns and rari for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈra.ro/
Did you know?
- While in English 'rare' can describe meat that is undercooked, Italians use the word sangue (blood) or al sangue (bloody) to describe a steak that is rare.
- The Latin ancestor of raro, rārus, originally referred to things that were spread apart or not dense, like a thin forest.
- The adjective raro can be used to describe the air in high mountains, such as aria rara, implying it is thin or difficult to breathe.
Examples in context
- Quello è molto raro.That one is very rare.This sentence shows how to use raro to describe an object.Tatoeba #5900270 by Guybrush88, translation #4242166 by DoubleBeast
- Tom ha un regalo raro.Tom has a rare gift.This sentence shows how to use raro to describe a gift.Tatoeba #13664693 by Guybrush88, translation #12076342 by CK
- È raro per lui arrabbiarsi.It is rare for him to get angry.This sentence shows how to use raro to describe a person's behavior.Tatoeba #1073027 by Guybrush88, translation #284046 by CM
- La tua padronanza dell'italiano è davvero rara.Your mastery of Italian is truly rare.
- È insolito vedere tanta gentilezza in questa città.It is rare to see so much kindness in this city.
- Lui ha davvero un modo di vestire molto peculiare.He has a truly rare/peculiar way of dressing.
- Ho trovato una copia di quel libro, ma è davvero rarissima!I found a copy of that book, but it's really rare!
- Quel quadro è una combinazione rara di creatività e abilità.That painting is a rare combination of creativity and skill.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are looking at a collection of old coins.
- GiuliaGuarda questa moneta, è davvero raro trovarla.Look at this coin, it is truly rare to find it.
- MatteoHai ragione, è un pezzo molto raro.You are right, it is a very rare piece.
- GiuliaPensi che abbia un grande valore?Do you think it has a great value?
- MatteoSì, perché un oggetto così raro costa molto.Yes, because such a rare object costs a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rare” translations and entries raro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries raro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
