Meaning
Used to indicate that something happens infrequently.
Cultural Background
The French value 'le juste milieu' (the happy medium). Doing things 'rarement' is often seen as a sign of self-control, especially regarding sweets or alcohol. In Quebec, you might hear 'rarement' used in the same way, but the informal 'pas souvent' is even more prevalent in daily speech than in France. In Francophone Africa, 'rarement' is used in formal education and administration, while local languages often influence the rhythm of how frequency is expressed in casual French. Swiss French (Suisse romande) uses 'rarement' identically to France, often in the context of discussing the rare sightings of certain alpine animals like the lynx.
The Sandwich Rule
In the past tense, put 'rarement' between 'ai/as/a' and the main verb. It's the most common mistake for learners!
No 'Pas' Needed
Don't use 'pas' with 'rarement'. 'Je ne mange pas rarement' means 'I don't eat rarely' (which means you eat often!).
Meaning
Used to indicate that something happens infrequently.
The Sandwich Rule
In the past tense, put 'rarement' between 'ai/as/a' and the main verb. It's the most common mistake for learners!
No 'Pas' Needed
Don't use 'pas' with 'rarement'. 'Je ne mange pas rarement' means 'I don't eat rarely' (which means you eat often!).
Polite Refusal
Use 'rarement' to decline invitations gently. 'Je sors rarement le soir' sounds nicer than 'Non, je ne veux pas venir'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'rarement' in the correct position.
Je (mange) ______ de la viande.
In the present tense, the adverb 'rarement' follows the conjugated verb 'mange'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
In the Passé Composé, 'rarement' must be placed between the auxiliary 'ai' and the past participle 'vu'.
Match the response to the question.
Question: Est-ce qu'il neige à Paris ?
Snow in Paris is infrequent, making 'rarement' the most accurate answer.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu bois du vin ? B: Non, je ______.
The adverb follows the verb and does not require 'ne...pas'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe (mange) ______ de la viande.
In the present tense, the adverb 'rarement' follows the conjugated verb 'mange'.
Choose the correct sentence:
In the Passé Composé, 'rarement' must be placed between the auxiliary 'ai' and the past participle 'vu'.
Question: Est-ce qu'il neige à Paris ?
Snow in Paris is infrequent, making 'rarement' the most accurate answer.
A: Tu bois du vin ? B: Non, je ______.
The adverb follows the verb and does not require 'ne...pas'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the closest equivalent. If you want to be even more extreme, you can use 'presque jamais' (almost never).
Usually right after the conjugated verb: 'Il court rarement'.
No, use the adjective 'rare' for objects. 'C'est un diamant rare'. Use 'rarement' only for actions.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
They mean the same thing. 'Rarement' is one word and slightly more elegant; 'peu souvent' is two words and very common in speech.
Only in very formal writing, and you must invert the subject and verb: 'Rarement a-t-on vu...'. For A1, keep it after the verb.
Simply add 'très': 'très rarement'.
No, the 't' in '-ment' is always silent in French.
No, adverbs in French are invariable. They never change form.
No, that would be redundant. Use one or the other.
Related Phrases
peu souvent
synonymnot often
souvent
contrastoften
exceptionnellement
specialized formexceptionally
de temps en temps
similarfrom time to time
