特别 (tèbié) — special / especially

HSK 3 | adjective / adverb | special, particular; especially, particularly

特别 (tèbié)

特别 functions as both an adjective meaning special or particular, and an adverb meaning especially or particularly. It emphasizes something that stands out from the ordinary.

Meanings

  1. [adjective] Special; particular; unusual; extraordinary.
  2. [adverb] Especially; particularly; very much.

Example Sentences

今天的晚会非常特别。 Jīntiān de wǎnhuì fēicháng tèbié. Tonight's party is very special.

她特别喜欢吃辣的食物。 Tā tèbié xǐhuan chī là de shíwù. She especially likes eating spicy food.

这件事有什么特别的地方吗? Zhè jiàn shì yǒu shénme tèbié de dìfang ma? Is there anything special about this matter?

他今天特别高兴。 Tā jīntiān tèbié gāoxìng. He is especially happy today.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
特别是 especially; in particular
非常特别 very special
特别注意 pay special attention
特别喜欢 especially like
没什么特别的 nothing special

Memory Hook

特 (special, unique) plus 别 (different, separate). Something 特别 is separately different from everything else, standing uniquely apart.