Definition
鲜有 (xiān, but note the character 鲜 in the sense of 'rare' is properly pronounced xiǎn) is a formal, literary verb phrase meaning 'rarely have' or 'to be rare'. It is used in written Chinese and formal speech, often before a noun or verb phrase to indicate that something seldom occurs or few people have a certain quality. It is not used in casual conversation. For example: 鲜有成功 (rarely succeed).
v.p.
rarely haveto be rare (formal, literary)
Examples
- 鲜有。Zhè zhǒng xiànxiàng zài lìshǐ shàng xiān chūxiàn.This kind of phenomenon rarely occurred in history.
- 鲜有。Néng wánchéng rúcǐ jiānjù rènwu de rén xiān.Few people can accomplish such a difficult task.
- 鲜有。Tā de zuòpǐn zhōng xiān shǐyòng huálì de cízǎo.His works rarely use ornate language.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.