特別
Describes something that is exceptional, unique, or different from the standard or ordinary. It is commonly used to indicate a special occasion, a specific person of importance, or a distinct quality that sets something apart from others.
Examples
3 of 5今日は特別な日です。
Today is a special day.
特別なご配慮に感謝いたします。
I am grateful for your special consideration.
これ、君だけに特別にあげるよ。
I'll give this to you specifically as a special treat.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Tuxedo' (Toku-) being worn for a 'Special' (-betsu) event.
Quick Quiz
今日は私の誕生日ですから、___なケーキを買いました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
今日は特別な日です。
everydayToday is a special day.
特別なご配慮に感謝いたします。
formalI am grateful for your special consideration.
これ、君だけに特別にあげるよ。
informalI'll give this to you specifically as a special treat.
この物質は特別な性質を持っています。
academicThis substance possesses special properties.
今週は特別価格で販売しています。
businessWe are selling at a special price this week.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
特別扱いする
to give special treatment
特別な理由がない限り
unless there is a special reason
特別天然記念物
Special Natural Monument
Often Confused With
'Tokuni' is an adverb meaning 'especially' (used for emphasis), whereas 'Tokubetsu' is a noun/adjective describing the quality of being 'special'.
Usage Notes
It is most frequently used as a na-adjective (tokubetsu-na) to describe nouns. When used as an adverb (tokubetsu-ni), it emphasizes that an action is being done in an exceptional way.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the particle 'na' when modifying a noun, saying 'tokubetsu purezento' instead of the correct 'tokubetsu-na purezento'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Tuxedo' (Toku-) being worn for a 'Special' (-betsu) event.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Japanese characters: 特 (distinct/unique) and 別 (separate/different).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The concept of 'limited edition' (gentei) and 'special service' is very prominent in Japanese consumer culture, where 'tokubetsu' is used to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity.
Quick Quiz
今日は私の誕生日ですから、___なケーキを買いました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
More general words
選択
B1The act of picking between two or more possibilities. It can refer to simple choices or complex strategic decisions.
不可避
B2That cannot be avoided; certain to happen; inevitable.
付随
B2To occur as a consequence of or in connection with something else; to be incidental or accompanying.
回避
B2The act of avoiding something unpleasant, dangerous, or difficult. It can refer to physical avoidance or avoiding a specific outcome or responsibility.
圧倒的
B2Overwhelming or overpowering; having such a great advantage or power that opposition is impossible.
現実
B1The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.
困難
B1The state or quality of being hard to do or to accomplish; a situation that is hard to deal with.
種類
B1A group of people or things having similar characteristics; a type, kind, or category. Used for biological species, types of products, or categories of ideas.
制約
B2A condition that keeps someone or something under control or limits what they can do; a restriction or constraint.
統制
B2The act of controlling or regulating a system, organization, or group of people to ensure order or compliance.
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