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distinct from others; special
她有一种特别的才能。
She has a special talent.
Used to emphasize uniqueness or distinction.
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.
unusually; extraordinarily
今天天气特别冷。
The weather is unusually cold today.
Used to describe exceptional degrees.
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).
As an adverb, 特别 typically precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. For example: '他特别高兴' (He is especially happy).
Composed of 特 (special, unique) and 别 (to distinguish). The compound emphasizes distinction or emphasis.
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.