Meaning
Something that doesn't happen frequently.
Cultural Background
In villages, 'mai rar' was historically used to describe the spacing of crops. A 'rar' crop was often a sign of poor soil or bad luck, but a 'mai rar' person was a gem. When a guest visits 'mai rar' (less often than expected), the host might use it as a playful guilt-trip to show they were missed. In cities like Bucharest, 'mai rar' is frequently used to complain about the deteriorating frequency of public transport or the rarity of parking spots. Classic authors like Ion Creangă used 'rar' to describe the pacing of storytelling, emphasizing that good things should be savored and not rushed.
The Compliment Trick
If you want to impress a Romanian, use 'mai rar' at the end of a sentence when praising their food or help. It sounds much more native than just saying 'mulțumesc'.
Don't over-roll the R
While the R is rolled, don't make it too long or it might sound like you're growling!
Meaning
Something that doesn't happen frequently.
The Compliment Trick
If you want to impress a Romanian, use 'mai rar' at the end of a sentence when praising their food or help. It sounds much more native than just saying 'mulțumesc'.
Don't over-roll the R
While the R is rolled, don't make it too long or it might sound like you're growling!
The 'Cam Rar' Complaint
If someone says 'Treci cam rar pe la noi,' they aren't just stating a fact; they are saying they miss you. Respond with a promise to visit more often!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'mai rar' to complete the sentence.
Acum mergem la munte ____ decât anul trecut.
The sentence compares this year to last year, so 'mai rar' (less often) fits the context of frequency.
Which sentence is a compliment?
Choose the correct option:
This structure (Noun + ca/așa + Adjective, mai rar) is the idiomatic way to give a high compliment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vrei să mergem la cafea în fiecare zi? B: Nu pot, am mult de lucru. Putem să ne vedem ____?
Since B is busy, they suggest meeting 'less often'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Situation: You are talking about the lack of snow in winter.
'Ninge' means 'it snows', so this matches the weather situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Frequency Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAcum mergem la munte ____ decât anul trecut.
The sentence compares this year to last year, so 'mai rar' (less often) fits the context of frequency.
Choose the correct option:
This structure (Noun + ca/așa + Adjective, mai rar) is the idiomatic way to give a high compliment.
A: Vrei să mergem la cafea în fiecare zi? B: Nu pot, am mult de lucru. Putem să ne vedem ____?
Since B is busy, they suggest meeting 'less often'.
Situation: You are talking about the lack of snow in winter.
'Ninge' means 'it snows', so this matches the weather situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, to mean 'more spaced out,' like 'Plantează florile mai rar.'
The opposite is 'mai des' (more often).
When used as an adverb (frequency), no. When used as an adjective (rare), it becomes 'rară'.
It implies that the person's good qualities are so rare that they are almost unique in the world.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Use 'mult mai rar' instead.
Yes, to describe market trends or meeting frequencies.
Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth and vibrate it quickly.
No, use 'ciudat' or 'straniu' for weird. 'Mai rar' is about frequency or excellence.
Yes, especially in folk and pop songs about lost love or changing times.
It means 'increasingly rarely' or 'less and less often'.
No, for a steak, use 'în sânge' (in blood).
No, it's a standard expression used by all age groups.
Yes, but it's more common after the verb or at the end of an exclamation.
Related Phrases
Rar
similarRarely / Rare
Mai des
contrastMore often
Rareori
synonymSeldom
Din an în Paște
specialized formOnce in a blue moon
Raritate
builds onA rarity
