ख़ास
xās/xɑːs/
The Hindi word for "special" is ख़ास (xās).
ख़ास is used to describe something of particular interest or value. It can also mean certain, dear, beloved or favored.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ख़ास is the standard term, you might encounter other words depending on the context. Vishesh (विशेष) is a formal way to say special, whereas Hatke (हटके) is a colloquial way to describe something that is different or stands apart. Zabardast (ज़बरदस्त) is an informal term used when you want to say something is fantastic or superb.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For very formal situations, you should use Vishesh (विशेष). In casual speech, you might hear Hatke (हटके) to mean something stands out or Zabardast (ज़बरदस्त) to mean something is fantastic.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as xās (/xɑːs/).
Did you know?
- In historical Indian court culture, the ख़ास area of a palace was the private sanctuary reserved only for the ruler and their most intimate circle, as opposed to the आम or public area.
- While ज़बरदस्त is used to call something 'special' or 'fantastic', its literal meaning is 'with a strong hand' or 'forcibly'.
- While ख़ास means 'special', the colloquial term हटके literally translates to 'stepped away' or 'moved aside', implying that something is special because it has deviated from the norm.
Examples in context
- क्या हमें ख़ास इजाज़त की ज़रूरत है?Do we need special permission?This sentence is useful for asking if special permission is required.Tatoeba #8864233 by aboi, translation #4917338 by CK
- कोई ख़ास काम नहीं है।There is nothing special to do.This sentence is useful for stating that there is no special work to be done.
- आज मेरे लिए एक ख़ास दिन है।Aaj mere liye ek khaas din hai.Today is a special day for me.
Example conversation
Vikas and Pooja are discussing a gift.
- पूजा Poojaक्या यह कोई ख़ास तोहफ़ा है?Kya yeh koi khaas tohfa hai?Is this a special gift?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, यह तुम्हारे लिए है।Haan, yeh tumhare liye hai.Yes, it is for you.
- पूजा Poojaशुक्रिया, विकास। यह बहुत सुंदर है।Shukriya, Vikas. Yeh bahut sundar hai.Thank you, Vikas. It is very beautiful.
- विकास Vikasमुझे खुशी है कि तुम्हें पसंद आया।Mujhe khushi hai ki tumhe pasand aaya.I am glad that you liked it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ख़ास, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
