especial
/espeˈθjal/
The English word 'special' is translated into Spanish as especial.
especial is an adjective used to describe something of particular interest, value, certain, dear, beloved or favored. If you wish to express the adverb 'especially', use especialmente.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While especial means 'special' in the sense of being unique or of particular interest, it is often confused with específico, which means 'specific'. For a more formal tone that carries the connotation of 'exceptional', 'extraordinary' or 'outstanding', you may use excepcional.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective especial must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: use especial for singular nouns and especiales for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈθjal/
Did you know?
- In some regions, calling someone especial with a certain tone of voice can actually be a subtle insult, implying the person is 'difficult' or 'high-maintenance'.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, especial can be used as a euphemism to describe someone with a disability or a peculiar personality without using a blunt medical term.
- The Spanish word especial is a 'gender-neutral' adjective, meaning its form does not change whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine.
Examples in context
- Es tu día especial.It's your special day.This sentence shows how to use especial to describe a day.Tatoeba #4544088 by DarkHollow, translation #3729544 by CM
- ¿Qué es tan especial?What's so special?This is a way to ask what is so especial.Tatoeba #1999348 by marcelostockle, translation #1886693 by CK
- No veo nada especial.I don't see anything special.This sentence uses especial to indicate that nothing is noteworthy.Tatoeba #5033332 by DarkHollow, translation #2276192 by CK
- Esta comida es muy especialThis dish is very special
- Hoy es un día especialToday is a special day
- Su talento es excepcionalHer talent is exceptional
- Este lugar es único en su bellezaThis place is unique in its beauty
- Ella es una persona únicaShe is a special person
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a gift.
- SofíaEste es un regalo especial para ti.This is a special gift for you.
- MateoMuchas gracias, Sofía, es muy bonito.Thank you so much, Sofía, it is very beautiful.
- SofíaLo elegí con mucho cariño.I chose it with much affection.
- MateoTe agradezco mucho el detalle.I really appreciate the gesture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “special” translations and entries especial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
