พิเศษ
pí-sèet/pʰi˦˥.seːt̚˨˩/
The English word 'special' is translated into Thai as พิเศษ (pí-sèet).
พิเศษ is an adjective used to describe something that is extraordinary, of particular interest or of value. In commercial contexts, it can also function as a noun to refer to a 'special,' such as a special dish or a special offer.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While พิเศษ refers to something extraordinary or special, other related terms carry different nuances: เฉพาะ means specific or exclusive, โดดเด่น means outstanding or remarkable and แปลกใหม่ means new or novel.
How does it change in a sentence?
To transform the adjective พิเศษ into an adverb meaning 'specially' or 'in a special manner,' you can add the word อย่าง before it.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as pí-sèet.
Did you know?
- In Thai street food culture, ordering a dish พิเศษ often means you are asking for a larger portion size rather than a special recipe.
- The Sanskrit root of พิเศษ is shared with the English word 'species', as both involve the idea of a 'distinct' or 'particular' kind.
- The word พิเศษ has a 'doublet' in Thai called วิเศษ, which also means 'special' but is often used to describe magical or supernatural powers.
Examples in context
- เรามีบางสิ่งที่พิเศษสำหรับคุณครับท่านสุภาพบุรุษWe have something special for you, sir.This sentence uses พิเศษ to describe something being offered to a gentleman.Tatoeba #8675792 by pastelite, translation #280557 by CK
- อาหารมื้อพิเศษSpecial mealThis sentence uses พิเศษ to describe a meal.
- อาหารตรงนี้อร่อยพิเศษมากThe food here is exceptionally delicious.
- เขาทำอะไรก็เจ๋งEverything he does is amazing.
Example conversation
Nicha is giving a gift to Witthawat for his birthday.
- ณิชา Nichaวิทวัส ฉันมีของขวัญพิเศษให้คุณค่ะWitthawat, chan mii khong-khwan phi-set hai khun khaWitthawat, I have a special gift for you.
- วิทวัส Witthawatอะไรเหรอครับ ขอบคุณมากนะณิชาa-rai roe krap, khop khun maak na NichaWhat is it? Thank you very much, Nicha.
- ณิชา Nichaมันเป็นของชิ้นพิเศษที่ฉันตั้งใจเลือกค่ะman pen khong chin phi-set thii chan tang-jai lueak khaIt is a special item that I carefully chose.
- วิทวัส Witthawatคุณใจดีกับผมเสมอเลยkhun jai-dii kap phom sa-moei loeiYou are always so kind to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry พิเศษ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries พิเศษ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
