特定

• Pinyin: tè dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 特 = 牛 (ox) + 寺 (temple), special/unique; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正 (correct), to fix/settle

Meaning

Specific; particular; designated; specified.

Used to indicate something specific rather than general. Common in formal, academic, or technical contexts. Often modifies nouns: 特定条件 (specific conditions), 特定人群 (specific population), 特定时间 (specified time).

Examples

1. 这款软件只能在特定的操作系统上运行。 This software can only run on specific operating systems.
2. 实验必须在特定条件下进行才能得到准确的结果。 The experiment must be conducted under specific conditions to obtain accurate results.
3. 这项政策只针对特定人群，并不适用于所有人。 This policy only targets specific groups and doesn't apply to everyone.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, technical, official

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 在特定情况下。(Under specific circumstances.)
• 特定要求。(Specific requirements.)

Don't Say

• 我有特定的朋友 — sounds stiff; for casual contexts say 某个朋友 or just describe who

Origin & History

Compound of 特 (special/particular) + 定 (to fix/determine), meaning specially determined or specified.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal