Definition

Adjective: - Rare, scarce, infrequent: Describes something that occurs very seldom, is extremely uncommon, or is seldom seen. It emphasizes the exceptional nature of an event or occurrence.

Usage

• Used primarily as an adjective to modify nouns, indicating their rarity.
• Often used in formal or literary contexts.
• Commonly appears in phrases like "trường hợp hãn hữu" (a rare case) or "hãn hữu lắm mới..." (it very rarely happens that...).

Usage Examples

• As an adjective:
  • Đó là một sự kiện hãn hữu trong lịch sử. (That is a rare event in history.)
  • Chúng tôi chỉ gặp nhau trong những dịp hãn hữu. (We only meet on rare occasions.)
  • Lỗi kỹ thuật kiểu này là hãn hữu. (This type of technical error is scarce.)

Advanced Usage

• "hãn hữu lắm mới...": used to introduce a clause describing an action that happens very infrequently.
  • Hãn hữu lắm mới có một người như anh ấy. (It is very rare to find a person like him.)
• "trường hợp hãn hữu": a set phrase meaning "an exceptional/rare case".
  • Đây là một trường hợp hãn hữu nên sẽ được xem xét đặc biệt. (This is an exceptional case and will be considered specially.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hiếm (adj): Also means "rare" or "scarce". While similar, "hiếm" is more common in everyday speech, whereas "hãn hữu" carries a more formal or literary tone and often implies an even greater degree of rarity.
  • Vật liệu này ngày càng hiếm. (This material is becoming increasingly rare.)
• Hiếm có (adj): Rare, exceptional, unique. This phrase is closer in intensity and formality to "hãn hữu".
  • Một tài năng hiếm có. (A rare talent.)

Synonyms

• Rare (adj): Not occurring very often.
• Scarce (adj): Insufficient for the demand; not plentiful.
• Infrequent (adj): Not occurring often; not regular.
• Exceptional (adj): Unusual; not typical.

Notes on Meaning

• Degree of Rarity: "Hãn hữu" typically denotes a higher degree of rarity than the more general word "hiếm". It suggests something is so uncommon that its occurrence is noteworthy or remarkable.
• Formality: This word is more formal and is often found in written Vietnamese, such as in literature, news reports, or official documents, rather than in casual conversation.

1. rare; scare