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滅多にできない経験 (metta ni dekinai keiken - a rare experience)

Grammar & Usage

fixed expression

neutral

How it works

This phrase combines the adverb 滅多に (metta ni - rarely, seldom) with the negative potential form できない (dekinai - cannot do/have) of the verb できる (dekiru - to be able to do/have), followed by the noun 経験 (keiken - experience). It literally means "an experience one rarely cannot do/have," which translates to "an experience one rarely gets to have" or simply "a rare experience." The 滅多に…ない structure emphasizes infrequency.

Sample sentences

海外でのボランティア活動は、滅多にできない経験でした。

Volunteer work abroad was a rare experience.

こんなに美しい夕日は、滅多にできない経験だよ。

Such a beautiful sunset is an experience you rarely get to see.

彼は、宇宙飛行士として滅多にできない経験をしてきた。

He has had a rare experience as an astronaut.

Quick facts

usage_note:The phrase emphasizes the scarcity and uniqueness of the experience, often implying it's something special or highly valued because of its rarity. The particle 'に' after '滅多' is essential for its adverbial function.

Often used with

滅多にない機会 (metta ni nai kikai - a rare opportunity)

滅多に見られない (metta ni mirarenai - rarely seen)

貴重な経験 (kichou na keiken - a valuable experience)

得難い経験 (egatai keiken - an invaluable/hard-to-get experience)

特別な経験 (tokubetsu na keiken - a special experience)

Mnemonic

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Example

海外でのボランティア活動は、滅多にできない経験でした。

Volunteer work abroad was a rare experience.

こんなに美しい夕日は、滅多にできない経験だよ。

Such a beautiful sunset is an experience you rarely get to see.