別に

• Reading: べつに
• Romaji: betsuni
• Kanji breakdown: 別 (betsu) — separate, different, another
• Pronunciation: /be.tsɯ.ni/

Meaning

Not particularly; nothing special; not really. Used with negatives to downplay or dismiss something.

An adverb almost always used with negative verb forms: 別に構わない (I don't mind), 別に何もない (nothing in particular), 別にいい (it's fine / I don't care). On its own as a response to a question, 別に means 'nothing' or 'it's nothing.' Can also mean 'separately' in non-negative contexts (別に考える, think about it separately).

Examples

1. 別にお腹は空いていないから大丈夫。 I'm not particularly hungry, so I'm fine.
2. 何かあったの？別に何もないよ。 Did something happen? — Not really, it's nothing.
3. 別に怒っているわけじゃないけど残念だ。 I'm not angry or anything, but I am disappointed.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, daily life, responses

Tone: dismissive

Origin & History

From 別 (betsu, separate/different) plus the adverbial particle に. Originally meant 'separately' or 'distinctly,' and evolved to express 'not in particular' when paired with negatives.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal