Japanese word

別に

Pronunciation

Romajibetsuni

Meaning

  • adverbnot really

Example

別に気にしません。betsu ni ki ni shi ma se n

I don't really mind.

Illustration for 別に (not really)

More examples

別に欲しいものはありません。betsu ni ho shi i mo no wa a ri ma se n

There is nothing I really want.

Core concept

別に (betsuni) shows that the speaker does not regard something as especially important, needed, or relevant.

Common phrases

  • 別にいいbetsu ni i i

    I don't mind

  • 別に欲しくないbetsu ni ho shi ku na i

    I don't particularly want it

  • 別にどうでもいいbetsu ni dō de mo i i

    I don't really care

Similar words

あまりamari: It expresses a small degree or weak intensity, usually with a negative expression.
別段betsudan: It expresses that something is not particularly important or necessary, often in a negative response.
さほどsahodo: It expresses that something does not reach a high degree, usually with a negative expression.

Definition in Japanese

特に気にかけるほどのことではないという気持ちを表すさま。toku ni ki ni ka ke ru ho do no ko to de wa na i to i u ki mo chi o arawa su sa ma

Word origin

別に (betsuni) combines 別 (betsu, "separate") with に (ni) to mean "separately"; in negative contexts, this developed into the modern sense "not particularly".

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, 別に (betsuni) often appears with a negative expression such as 気にしません (ki ni shimasen) and can sound dismissive when spoken sharply.

Opposites

Word lists with this word