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特别
tèbié
special
这个礼物对他来说特别重要。
This gift is especially important to him.
formal
distinct from others; special
她有一种特别的才能。
She has a special talent.
Used to emphasize uniqueness or distinction.
informal
especially; particularly
我特别喜欢这个电影。
I especially like this movie.
Commonly used in spoken Chinese to emphasize preference or emphasis.
formal
unusually; extraordinarily
今天天气特别冷。
The weather is unusually cold today.
Used to describe exceptional degrees.
Pro Tip
Usage in Sentences
特别 can be used both before nouns (adjective) and verbs/adjectives (adverb). For example: '特别的礼物' (special gift) vs. '特别喜欢' (really like).
Gold Rule
Positioning in Sentences
As an adverb, 特别 typically precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. For example: '他特别高兴' (He is especially happy).
Word Origin
Composed of 特 (special, unique) and 别 (to distinguish). The compound emphasizes distinction or emphasis.
Usage Notes
In spoken Chinese, 特别 is often used as an adverb to mean 'especially' or 'particularly.' In written Chinese, it can also function as an adjective to describe something unique or extraordinary.
Word Breakdown
特
special, unique
root别
to distinguish, separate
root汉英词典