特别 (tèbié)

特别 serves as both an intensifying adverb (especially, particularly — stronger than 很) and a descriptive adjective (special, unusual). As an adverb it sits before adjectives or verbs: 特别好吃 (especially delicious). As an adjective it describes things that stand out from the norm: 这很特别 (this is special/unusual).

Meanings

[adv] Especially; particularly — an intensifier stronger than 非常, implying something exceeds expectations.
[adj] Special; unique; extraordinary — different from what is ordinary or expected.

Example Sentences

这道菜特别好吃。 Zhè dào cài tèbié hǎochī. This dish is especially delicious.

我特别喜欢北京的冬天。 Wǒ tèbié xǐhuan Běijīng de dōngtiān. I especially like Beijing's winter.

今天有特别的事情要告诉你。 Jīntiān yǒu tèbié de shìqing yào gàosu nǐ. Today I have something special to tell you.

她的发型很特别，大家都注意到了。 Tā de fàxíng hěn tèbié, dàjiā dōu zhùyì dào le. Her hairstyle is very unique; everyone noticed it.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
特别好	especially good
特别喜欢	especially like; really fond of
很特别	very special/unique
特别的礼物	a special gift
特别是	especially; in particular

Memory Hook

特 relates to "exceptional" and 别 means "different" — something 特别 is exceptionally different from everything else around it.