特别
tèbié
The English word 'special' is translated into Chinese as 特别 (tèbié).
特别 is used as an adjective to describe something of particular interest, value or something that is beloved and favored. It is also frequently used as an adverb meaning 'especially' or 'particularly' to emphasize a specific quality or action.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 特别 can function as an adjective to describe something unique or unusual, it can also function as an adverb meaning 'particularly' when you want to emphasize a specific degree or instance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the phrase 特別嘅 is used for 'special'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to use 'special' as an adverb to modify a verb (meaning 'specially' or 'especially'), you often add the particle 地 after 特别.
How do you pronounce it?
tèbié
Did you know?
- While 特别 means 'special', using it to describe a person's personality can sometimes imply they are 'eccentric' or 'weird' rather than 'favored'.
- Chinese has several words for 'special', and while 特别 is common, 特殊 is used for 'special' in a more technical or legal sense, such as 'special circumstances'.
- The second character 别 (bié) can also mean 'other' or 'different', which is why the combined word 特别 carries the nuance of being 'different from the rest'.
Examples in context
- 我们很特别。We're special.This sentence uses 特别 to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #7767572 by jiangche, translation #2203388 by CK
- 每个人都很特别。Every person is special.This sentence uses 特别 to describe a quality of people.Tatoeba #9959066 by GlossaMatik, translation #2094642 by AlanF_US
- 没发生什么特别的事。Nothing special happened.This sentence uses 特别 to describe a type of event.Tatoeba #10449471 by GlossaMatik, translation #431049 by kazuya00
- 这是一个特别的项目。This is a special project.
- 他是一个非同寻常的人才。He is an exceptionally talented individual.
- 她有一种独特的魅力。She has a unique charm.
- 这是一个特殊的时刻。This is a special moment.
- 这位厨师做的菜真是厉害！The dishes made by this chef are really incredible!
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a gift for a friend's birthday.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我们要送他一份特别的礼物。Wǒmen yào sòng tā yī fèn tèbié de lǐwù.We should give him a special gift.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你有什么特别的想法吗？Nǐ yǒu shéme tèbié de xiǎngfǎ ma?Do you have any special ideas?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我想送他一本特别的书。Wǒ xiǎng sòng tā yī běn tèbié de shū.I want to give him a special book.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，这个主意很棒。Zhìqiáng, zhège zhǔyì hěn bàng.Zhiqiang, that is a great idea.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
