Use 'mettani' followed by a negative verb to emphasize that something almost never happens.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe rare or infrequent occurrences.
- Always followed by a negative verb form.
- Focuses on low frequency of actions or events.
概要
「滅多に」は、頻度が極めて低いことを強調する言葉です。日常会話からビジネスシーンまで幅広く使われますが、常に否定形とセットで用いられるため、文法的な注意が必要です。2) 使用パターン: 基本的な形は「滅多に＋否定形」です。「滅多に〜ない」という形が定型であり、この言葉単体で肯定文を作ることはできません。3) 一般的な文脈: 習慣的な行動（例：滅多に外食しない）や、希少な出来事（例：滅多に会えない）を語る際によく使われます。驚きや意外性を伴う文脈で使われることも多いです。4) 類語比較: 「ほとんど」は量や程度が少ないことも含みますが、「滅多に」は特に「頻度・回数」に焦点が当てられています。「たまに」の対義的なニュアンスをより強くしたい場合に「滅多に」が選ばれます。
Examples
最近は滅多に雨が降らない。
everydayIt rarely rains lately.
そのような事態は滅多に起こり得ません。
formalSuch a situation rarely occurs.
滅多に連絡してこないね。
informalYou rarely contact me, huh?
この種の希少種は滅多に見られない。
academicThis type of rare species is seldom seen.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
滅多なことを言うな
Don't say careless things.
滅多にないチャンス
A rare opportunity.
Often Confused With
Tamani means 'occasionally' and can be used in both positive and negative sentences. Mettani is strictly for negative sentences.
Hotondo means 'almost'. It can be used for degree or quantity, whereas mettani focuses strictly on frequency.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Mettani is a negative polarity item. It must always be used with a negative verb form to convey rarity. It is used in both formal and casual settings, making it a very versatile adverb.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'mettani' with a positive verb form. Learners often forget the 'nai' ending. Ensure the sentence structure ends in a negative form.
Tips
Always match with negative verb forms
Remember that 'mettani' is a negative polarity item. It requires a negative verb ending to make sense in a sentence.
Do not use in positive sentences
Saying 'mettani ikimasu' is grammatically incorrect. Always ensure it ends with 'ikenai' or 'ikimasen'.
Used to express surprise or rarity
Japanese speakers often use this to emphasize that a situation is special or unusual. It adds a sense of rarity to the event.
Word Origin
Derived from 'metta' (reckless/thoughtless) + 'ni'. Historically, it implied doing things without thinking, eventually evolving to mean 'rarely' in a negative context.
Cultural Context
The word reflects the Japanese tendency to avoid absolutes. By saying 'mettani' (rarely) instead of 'never', it leaves a tiny margin for possibility, which aligns with Japanese indirect communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Metta' as 'Meet a' and imagine you 'rarely' meet a famous person. Mettani = rarely meeting someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、使えません。「滅多に」は必ず後ろに「～ない」という否定形を伴う必要があります。肯定文で使いたい場合は「たまに」や「時々」を使いましょう。
「ほとんど」は程度や量にも使えますが、「滅多に」は動作や出来事の頻度に特化しています。また、「滅多に」の方が「めったにないことだ」という感情的な強調が強いです。
はい、使えます。ただし、「滅多にない機会」のように名詞を修飾する「滅多な」という形の方が、ビジネスやフォーマルな場では一般的です。
頻度が高いことを表す「よく」や「頻繁に」が対義語になります。
Test Yourself
彼は忙しいので、___家に帰らない。
後ろに否定形「帰らない」があるため、頻度の低さを表す「滅多に」が適切です。
どれが正しい文ですか？
「滅多に」は必ず否定形と結びつくためです。
（会う / 滅多に / 私たちは / ない）
主語＋滅多に＋否定動詞の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'mettani' followed by a negative verb to emphasize that something almost never happens.
- Used to describe rare or infrequent occurrences.
- Always followed by a negative verb form.
- Focuses on low frequency of actions or events.
Always match with negative verb forms
Remember that 'mettani' is a negative polarity item. It requires a negative verb ending to make sense in a sentence.
Do not use in positive sentences
Saying 'mettani ikimasu' is grammatically incorrect. Always ensure it ends with 'ikenai' or 'ikimasen'.
Used to express surprise or rarity
Japanese speakers often use this to emphasize that a situation is special or unusual. It adds a sense of rarity to the event.
Examples
4 of 4最近は滅多に雨が降らない。
It rarely rains lately.
そのような事態は滅多に起こり得ません。
Such a situation rarely occurs.
滅多に連絡してこないね。
You rarely contact me, huh?
この種の希少種は滅多に見られない。
This type of rare species is seldom seen.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
