特別 / 特别
tèbié
The English phrase 'especially' can be translated into Chinese using 特別 / 特别 (tèbié) or 尤其.
Meaning: particularly (adv)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 特別 / 特别 | tèbié |
| 尤其 | yóuqí |
尤其 is typically used to introduce a specific example that is more representative or extreme than the general group you have just mentioned, helping to pinpoint a specific element. 特別 / 特别 can mean 'especially' to emphasize something, but it can also function as an adjective meaning 'special'.
Which one should you use?
尤其 is strictly an adverb used for emphasis and is used to single out a specific member of a group, often appearing in the middle or at the beginning of a clause. In contrast, 特別 / 特别 can function as both an adverb meaning 'especially' and an adjective meaning 'special'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, 特別 / 特别 can be used as an intensifier before an adjective to mean 'very' or 'especially', such as in the phrase '特別好' (especially good).
How do you pronounce it?
tèbié
Did you know?
- The character 別 in 特別 is also used in the word for 'to say goodbye' 別離, as both share a root meaning 'to separate' or 'to be distinct'.
- The word 尤其 contains the character 尤, which in ancient Chinese could mean 'still' or 'even more', showing that the concept of 'especially' has been baked into the language for millennia.
- While 特別 means 'especially' or 'special' in standard Chinese, in Taiwanese Mandarin it is frequently used as a general intensifier meaning 'very', often replacing the more common 很.
Examples in context
- 它可以使一些人，尤其是老人和婴幼儿，病得很重。It can make some people, especially the elderly and infants, very ill.This sentence shows how to use 尤其 to single out specific vulnerable groups like the elderly and infants.Tatoeba #727516 by GlossaMatik, translation #727514 by sundown
- 大多数中国人是非常好客的，尤其是住在农村的人。Many Chinese people make good guests, especially those from rural areas.This sentence demonstrates using 尤其 to highlight a specific subset of people, such as those from rural areas.Tatoeba #1750558 by sadhen, translation #7798475 by sharris123
- 尤其是在中国北方，包饺子、吃饺子，已经成为大多数家庭欢度除夕的一个重要活动。Especially in northern China, wrapping and eating dumplings has become an important activity for happily spending New Year's Eve in many households.This sentence illustrates how to use 尤其 to emphasize a specific location and activity.Tatoeba #756990 by GlossaMatik, translation #756991 by eastasiastudent
- 尤其是在夏天的时候，来一杯冰咖啡最棒了。Especially in the summer, having a cup of iced coffee is the best.
- 我更喜欢吃水果，尤其是草莓。I especially like to eat fruit, especially strawberries.
- 这个电影特别好看。This movie is especially good.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “especially” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
