spécial
/spe.sjal/
The English phrase "special" is translated into French as spécial.
spécial is an adjective used to describe something of particular interest, value or importance. It can also mean certain, dear, beloved or favored. In a colloquial context, however, describing a person as spécial can imply that they are weird or strange.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While spécial typically means unique or particular, be aware that using it to describe a person can colloquially suggest they are strange.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, spécial must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form spéciale for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form spéciaux for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form spéciales for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/spe.sjal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use spécial to refer to a sale or a discount in a store. Instead, use une promotion or les soldes.
Did you know?
- The word spécial derives from the Latin speciālis, which is rooted in the idea of 'seeing' or 'looking'.
- If you call a person spécial in a social setting, you are likely not complimenting them. It is a common, subtle way to suggest that the person is 'weird' or 'strange'.
- The spelling of the masculine plural form changes from spécial to spéciaux, a common pattern in French where words ending in '-al' transform into '-aux' in the plural.
Examples in context
- Ça n'a rien de spécial.It's nothing special.This sentence shows how to use spécial in a negative context.Tatoeba #579211 by sacredceltic, translation #579202 by CM
- J'ai une raison spéciale.I have a special reason.This sentence demonstrates using spécial to describe a reason.Tatoeba #11146243 by Aiji, translation #3045807 by sharptoothed
- Tout le monde est spécial.Everyone is special.This sentence shows how to use spécial when referring to people.Tatoeba #5299480 by pititnatole, translation #2094644 by AlanF_US
- C'est un jour spécialIt's a special day
- Elle possède un talent exceptionnelShe has an exceptional talent
- J'ai une demande particulièreI have a special request
- L'événement de ce soir est vraiment spécialTonight's event is truly special
- Ce cadeau est un geste particulier de notre partThis gift is a special gesture from us
- Cette occasion est exceptionnelle et mérite d'être célébréeThis occasion is exceptional and deserves to be celebrated
- C'est un endroit spécial, tu vas adorer !It's a special place, you're going to love it!
- Le gâteau d'anniversaire était extra, tu aurais dû y goûter !The birthday cake was extra special, you should have tried it!
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is giving a gift to Chloé for her birthday.
- NathanJ'ai un cadeau spécial pour toi, Chloé.I have a special gift for you, Chloé.
- ChloéC'est vraiment gentil, Nathan !That is really kind, Nathan!
- NathanC'est pour un jour spécial.It is for a special day.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup, c'est adorable.Thank you so much, that's adorable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spécial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spécial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
