特地

• Pinyin: tè dì
• Hanzi breakdown: 特 = special; 地 = adverbial marker — specially, specifically

Meaning

Especially; specifically; specially. Doing something for a particular purpose or person.

Emphasizes that an action was done deliberately for a specific reason or person: 特地来看你 (came specifically to see you), 特地准备的 (specially prepared). Similar to 特意 but slightly more formal. Shows effort, intention, and consideration. Often used to express that something wasn't coincidental.

Examples

1. 他特地从北京赶来参加我的婚礼。 He came specifically from Beijing to attend my wedding.
2. 这道菜是厨师特地为你做的。 This dish was specially made for you by the chef.
3. 我特地查了一下，资料显示他说的没错。 I specifically looked it up, and the data shows he was right.

Usage Guide

Context: gratitude, intention, effort

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 谢谢你特地来接我。(Thank you for coming specifically to pick me up.)
• 我特地请了一天假。(I specifically took a day off.)

Don't Say

• 顺便做的事不用'特地' (Don't use 特地 for things done incidentally — it implies deliberate effort for a purpose)

Origin & History

Compound of 特 (special) + 地 (adverbial suffix). Forms an adverb meaning 'specially' or 'specifically.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal