取り分け

• Reading: とりわけ
• Romaji: toriwake
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (tori/shu) — take, pick up; 分 (wake/bun) — divide, separate, part
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾi.wa.ke/

Meaning

Especially; particularly; above all. Emphasises one thing among several.

An adverb meaning 'especially' or 'in particular,' used to single out one item from a group for emphasis. More formal and literary than 特に (toku ni), which is the everyday equivalent. Often appears in written Japanese and formal speech — 取り分け注目すべきは (what is particularly noteworthy is). Can also be written as とりわけ in hiragana. Creates a more refined, emphatic impression than 特に.

Examples

1. 日本料理は取り分け魚の調理法が素晴らしい。 Japanese cuisine is particularly remarkable for its fish preparation techniques.
2. 今年の夏は取り分け暑かった。 This summer was especially hot.
3. 彼の作品の中で取り分け評価が高いのはこの小説だ。 Among his works, this novel is particularly highly regarded.

Usage Guide

Context: essays, formal speech, academic writing

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

From native Japanese: 取り (tori, taking) + 分け (wake, dividing/separating). The compound evokes the image of taking something out and setting it apart from the rest — hence 'especially' or 'in particular.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated