Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| surtout | /syʁ.tu/ | |
| spécialement | /spe.sjal.mɑ̃/ | |
| particulièrement | /paʁ.ti.ky.ljɛʁ.mɑ̃/ | |
| en particulier | /ɑ̃ paʁ.ti.ky.lje/ | |
| espécialement | /ɛs.pe.sjal.mɑ̃/ /es.pe.sjal.mɑ̃/ (Louisiana) |
Louisiana |
These words are used to express emphasis or to single out a specific thing or person. Depending on the context, you might be highlighting a quality, a specific purpose or a point that stands above all others.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these forms depends on your specific meaning. Use surtout when you mean "above all" or "most of all" to emphasize a point. Use spécialement when you mean "specifically" or mean that something was done for a special purpose or person. Use particulièrement as a direct synonym for "particularly" to highlight a specific quality or degree. Additionally, notamment is a synonymous term that can also mean "especially."
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form espécialement is a regional variant used in Louisiana French.
How do you pronounce it?
/syʁ.tu/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use spécialement to mean "especially" in the sense of "above all", but in French, surtout is the more natural choice for providing emphasis.
Did you know?
- The word surtout also refers to a type of historical overcoat, deriving from the same logic of being a garment worn 'over everything'.
- The French word surtout is closely related to the Italian soprattutto and the Spanish sobre todo, all of which literally mean 'above all'.
- In French, surtout can be used as a warning or a strong plea, such as when telling someone 'above all, do not do that'.
Examples in context
- Elle aime particulièrement la musique.She especially likes music.This sentence shows how to use particulièrement to express a preference for a specific type of music.Tatoeba #134075 by Archibald, translation #311832 by CK
- J'ai cuisiné ça spécialement pour toi.I cooked this especially for you.This sentence demonstrates using spécialement to indicate an action performed for a specific person.Tatoeba #10624371 by Aiji, translation #2308030 by CK
- Tom, je veux particulièrement te parler.Tom, I especially want to talk to you.This sentence uses particulièrement to highlight a specific desire to speak to someone.Tatoeba #7368146 by tras, translation #7367952 by CK
- Cette exposition d'art est particulièrement intéressante.This art exhibition is especially interesting.
- Plusieurs sports sont populaires en France, notamment le football et le tennis.Several sports are popular in France, especially football and tennis.
- Les étudiants ont réussi l'examen, mais certains ont plus particulièrement excellé.The students passed the exam, but some especially excelled.
- J'aime tous les desserts, mais surtout la tarte aux pommes.I love all desserts, especially apple pie.
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing what to eat for dinner.
- LéaJ'ai faim, surtout de pâtes.I'm hungry, especially for pasta.
- HugoMoi aussi, j'adore ça, surtout avec du fromage.Me too, I love that, especially with cheese.
- LéaTu veux que je cuisine ça pour toi, Hugo ?Do you want me to cook that for you, Hugo?
- HugoOui, s'il te plaît, tu es géniale.Yes, please, you are great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “especially” translations and entries surtout, spécialement, particulièrement, en particulier, espécialement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, en particulier, particulier, particulièrement, spécialement, surtout, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
