特別

• Reading: とくべつ
• Romaji: tokubetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 特 (toku) — special, particular; 別 (betsu/waka) — separate, different
• Pronunciation: /to.kɯ.be.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Special; particular; extraordinary; exceptional. Describes something that stands out from the ordinary.

Functions as a na-adjective, adverb, and noun. As a na-adjective: 特別な日 (special day). As an adverb: 特別に (specially/especially). Common in phrases like 特別料金 (special price) and 特別席 (reserved seat). The opposite is 普通 (futsuu, ordinary).

Examples

1. 誕生日は特別な日なのでレストランに行きます。 My birthday is a special day, so I'm going to a restaurant.
2. 今日は特別に早く帰ってもいいですよ。 As a special exception, you can go home early today.
3. 彼女にとって特別な思い出になったようです。 It seems to have become a special memory for her.

Usage Guide

Context: celebrations, daily life, business

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 特 (toku, special/particular) and 別 (betsu, different/separate). Together they mean distinctly different — something set apart from the rest.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal