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    滅多に口にしない (metta ni kuchi ni shinai - rarely talk about/eat)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase combines the adverb 滅多に (metta ni), meaning 'rarely' or 'seldom,' with 口にする (kuchi ni suru), meaning 'to say' or 'to put in one's mouth,' followed by the negative form しない (shinai). It describes an action that is not done often, either speaking about something or consuming something. The object of the action is typically marked by the particle を (o), although it can sometimes be omitted in casual speech.

    Sample sentences

    彼は自分の過去については滅多に口にしない。

    He rarely talks about his past.

    このレストランの料理はとても美味しいが、滅多に口にしない高級食材が使われている。

    The food at this restaurant is very delicious, but it uses high-end ingredients that I rarely eat.

    彼女は他人の悪口を滅多に口にしない、本当に素晴らしい人だ。

    She rarely speaks ill of others; she's truly a wonderful person.

    Quick facts

    commonality:This is a very common and natural way to express rarity in Japanese.
    verbMeaning:口にする literally means 'to make something into one's mouth.' Depending on context, it can mean 'to eat/drink' or 'to speak/mention.'
    adverbialUsage:滅多に is an adverb that *always* requires a negative verb following it to express rarity. If a positive verb follows, it implies something like 'by chance' or 'accidentally,' which is not its primary usage for rarity.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    彼は自分の過去については滅多に口にしない。

    He rarely talks about his past.

    このレストランの料理はとても美味しいが、滅多に口にしない高級食材が使われている。

    The food at this restaurant is very delicious, but it uses high-end ingredients that I rarely eat.

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