Japanese word

特色

Pronunciation

Romajitokushoku

Meaning

  • nouncharacteristic

Example

この地域の特色は、豊かな自然です。ko no chi iki no toku shoku wa yuta ka na shi zen de su

A characteristic of this region is its rich natural environment.

Illustration for 特色 (characteristic)

More examples

この町は伝統的な特色を大切にしています。ko no machi wa den tō teki na toku shoku o tai setsu ni shi te i ma su

This town values its traditional characteristics.

Core concept

Presents a quality that makes a person, place, or thing distinct from others.

Common phrases

  • 特色があるtoku shoku ga a ru

    have distinctive features

  • 特色を打ち出すtoku shoku o u chi da su

    emphasize distinctive features

  • 特色を生かすtoku shoku o i ka su

    make use of distinctive features

Similar words

特徴tokuchō: A noticeable quality that sets a person, place, or thing apart.
個性kosei: A quality that forms the individual character of a person or thing.
持ち味mochiaji: A distinctive quality that shows the special appeal of a person, place, or thing.
特性tokusei: A quality that belongs naturally to a person, place, or thing.

Definition in Japanese

他と比べて際立っている固有の性質や持ち味。hoka to kura be te kiwa da tte i ru ko yū no sei shitsu ya mo chi aji

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 特色 (tokushoku) combines 特 (toku, "special") and 色 (shoku, "quality or character"), giving the sense of a distinctive quality.

Usage tips

  • The English word feature can mean a part or detail, but 特色 (tokushoku) usually highlights what makes something stand out.

Other meanings

  • featurenoun

Opposites

  • 無個性mukoseilack of individualitynoun

Word lists with this word