Japanese word

特別

Pronunciation

Romajitokubetsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectivespecial

Example

このケーキは特別です。ko no kē ki wa toku betsu de su

This cake is special.

Illustration for 特別 (special)

More examples

誕生日には特別な料理を作ります。tan jō hi ni wa toku betsu na ryō ri o tsuku ri ma su

I make a special meal for birthdays.

Core concept

Describes something that stands apart from the usual because of its distinct quality, importance, or treatment.

Common phrases

  • 特別な日toku betsu na hi

    special day

  • 特別なプレゼントtoku betsu na pu re ze n to

    special gift

Similar words

大切taisetsu: Describes something valued highly because it matters deeply or should be cared for.
独特dokutoku: Describes a quality or style that is distinctive and unlike that of others.
格別kakubetsu: Describes something that is notably better or more intense than usual.

Definition in Japanese

普通のものとは違い、目立つ性質や扱いを持つさま。fu tsū no mo no to wa chiga i me da tsu sei shitsu ya atsuka i o mo tsu sa ma

Word origin

特 (toku, "special") combines with 別 (betsu, "separate") in the Sino-Japanese compound 特別 (tokubetsu, "special"), linking specialness with being separate from others.

Usage tips

  • 特別な (tokubetsu na) is the form used before a noun, so a beginner hears the same meaning in both a statement such as "the cake is special" and a phrase such as "a special day."

Other meanings

  • especiallyadverb
  • extraordinaryna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 特別さtokubetsusaspecialnessnoun

Word lists with this word