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"Nunca" is an adverb which is often translated as "never", and "rara vez" is a phrase which is often translated as "rarely". Learn more about the difference between "nunca" and "rara vez" below.
nunca(
noong
-
kah
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (not ever)
b. ever (after "not")
Nunca llegas a tiempo.You don't ever arrive on time.
¿Vives en México y nunca has comido tacos?You live in Mexico and you haven't ever eaten tacos?
rara vez(
rrah
-
rah
behs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. rarely
Adriana rara vez se enfada, pero, cuando lo hace, es temible.Adriana rarely gets angry, but when she does, she's fearsome.
b. seldom
Rara vez se da el caso de que todos los partidos políticos estén de acuerdo en algo.It seldom happens that all political parties agree on anything.
c. hardly ever
Desde que nos vinimos a vivir al campo, rara vez vamos a la ciudad.Since we came to live in the country, we hardly ever go to the city.
