What does it mean word for word?
The word is an adverb that literally means 'separately' or 'apart from that', but is used to mean 'not particularly' when paired with a negative verb or implied negation.
Which one should you use?
While 別に is used to mean "not really" or "nothing special", other forms exist depending on the context. Use 特にありません to say "there is nothing in particular" in formal settings, and 特にない to say "nothing in particular" in casual conversations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
別に is an informal expression. Using 別に as a one-word response can sound blunt, dismissive or even rude depending on the tone, so it should be used carefully with superiors.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Japanese, 'betsu ni' is often used as a standalone response to imply 'nothing in particular' or 'nothing special' without needing to repeat a full sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
betsu ni
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use 別に in a positive context to mean 'separately', but in conversational Japanese, its most common function is to express a negative or indifferent sentiment.
Did you know?
- While 別に is a neutral term in textbooks, in anime and manga it is often the signature phrase of 'tsundere' characters used to hide their true feelings.
- The Korean phrase 별로 (byeollo) shares a very similar meaning and linguistic connection to the Japanese 別に.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'nothing special' is often tied to the cultural value of modesty and the avoidance of standing out from the group.
Examples in context
- 「トムのことどう思った？」「声はかっこいいよね」「声だけ？」「顔は別にって感じじゃない？」「えー、私はかっこいいと思うけどなあ」"What did you think of Tom?" "He's got a nice voice." "Just a nice voice?" "Well, his face is nothing special, right?" "Really! I think he's pretty good looking."This example shows how 別に is used to describe a person's appearance as nothing special.Tatoeba #4751945 by tommy_san, translation #4764899 by Stalwartlover
- 別に、嫌いなわけじゃないよ。Betsuni, kirai na wake janai yo.It's not that I dislike it or anything.
- 「何かあった？」「ううん、別に。」"Nani ka atta?" "Uun, betsu ni.""Did something happen?" "No, nothing special."
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about their weekend.
- 陽太 Yota週末は何をしたの？Shuumatsu wa nani o shita no?What did you do this weekend?
- 美咲 Misaki別に何もしてないよ。Betsu ni nani mo shite nai yo.Nothing special, I didn't do anything.
- 陽太 Yotaそうなんだ。ゆっくりできたね。Sou nanda. Yukkuri dekita ne.I see. You were able to relax, then.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、最高だった。Un, saikou datta.Yeah, it was great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 別に, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
