Japanese word

特殊

Pronunciation

Romajitokushu

Meaning

  • na-adjectivespecial

Example

この機械は特殊です。ko no ki kai wa toku shu de su

This machine is special.

Illustration for 特殊 (special)

More examples

この仕事には特殊な知識が必要です。ko no shi goto ni wa toku shu na chi shiki ga hitsu yō de su

This job requires special knowledge.

Core concept

Describes something set apart from ordinary cases by an unusual or distinctive quality.

Common phrases

  • 特殊な事情toku shu na ji jō

    special circumstances

  • 特殊な能力toku shu na nō ryoku

    special ability

  • 特殊な方法toku shu na hō hō

    special method

Similar words

特別tokubetsu: Describes something set apart as important, valued, or notably different.
独特dokutoku: Describes a quality or way that is distinctive to a person, thing, or group.

Definition in Japanese

一般的なものとは異なり、性質や用途などに際立った特徴があるさま。ip pan teki na mo no to wa koto na ri sei shitsu ya yō to na do ni kiwa da tta toku chō ga a ru sa ma

Word origin

特殊 (tokushu, "special and distinct") combines 特 (toku, "special") and 殊 (shu, "different"), expressing a marked difference from the ordinary.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 特殊 (tokushu) often suggests an unusual or specialized case, while 特別 (tokubetsu, "special") more often describes something valued or set apart as special.

Other meanings

  • peculiarna-adjective
  • uniquena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 特殊性tokushuseispecial naturenoun
  • 特殊化tokushukaspecializationnoun

Word lists with this word