essere raro
/ˈɛs.se.re ˈraː.ro/to be uncommon or infrequent in occurrence or existence.
I diamanti sono rari in natura.
Diamonds are rare in nature.
Questa edizione del libro è rara perché è fuori produzione.
This edition of the book is rare because it's out of print.
Used to describe objects, phenomena, or qualities that are not commonly found or seen.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Avoid using 'essere raro' to describe people as 'rare' in a personal sense (e.g., 'He is rare' to mean 'he is special'). Use 'speciale' or 'unico' instead for people.
⚡Gold Rule
When to Use
Use 'essere raro' when something is genuinely uncommon or scarce, not when emphasizing uniqueness or special qualities.
📖Word Origin
The phrase combines the Italian verb 'essere' (to be) and the adjective 'raro' (rare). 'Raro' derives from Latin 'rarus', meaning 'sparse' or 'thinly distributed'.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe anything from natural resources to collectible items. Not typically used for abstract concepts like emotions.