hardly 几乎不 强调程度，和一个否定词在一起的用法在标准英语中应尽量避免

seldom 不常，很少，强调次数，这样的副词在传统的双重否定的句中应被视为否定词

He hardly needed to break sweat to reach the final.

他几乎不费劲儿就取得了决赛权。

For a long time her mother and her grandmother had hardly been on speaking terms.

很久以来，她的母亲和外婆两人之间几乎不怎么说话。

She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.

她是个严肃的女人，脸上很少出现笑容。

Seldom had he seen such beauty.

他以前很少见过这样的美景。