特殊 (tèshū)

特殊 describes something that is different from the norm, exceptional, or requiring special consideration -- it often implies that something stands apart due to unusual circumstances or inherent qualities.

Meanings

[adj] special; exceptional; extraordinary; unusual; having unique properties

Example Sentences

这种材料具有特殊的耐热性能，被广泛用于航空工业。 Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jùyǒu tèshū de nài rè xìngnéng, bèi guǎngfàn yòng yú hángkōng gōngyè. This material has special heat-resistant properties and is widely used in the aviation industry.

由于特殊原因，这次会议被推迟到下个月。 Yóuyú tèshū yuányīn, zhè cì huìyì bèi tuīchí dào xià gè yuè. Due to special circumstances, this meeting has been postponed to next month.

她的童年经历非常特殊，对她的性格产生了深远影响。 Tā de tóngnián jīnglì fēicháng tèshū, duì tā de xìnggé chǎnshēngle shēnyuǎn yǐngxiǎng. Her childhood experiences were very unusual and had a profound impact on her personality.

这个地区的地理位置特殊，历来是各方争夺的战略要地。 Zhège dìqū de dìlǐ wèizhì tèshū, lìlái shì gè fāng zhēngduó de zhànlüè yàodì. This region's geographical location is exceptional and has historically been a strategic territory contested by various parties.

医院设有特殊护理病房，专门照顾重症患者。 Yīyuàn shè yǒu tèshū hùlǐ bìngfáng, zhuānmén zhàogu zhòngzhèng huànzhě. The hospital has special care wards specifically for critically ill patients.

法律对特殊群体提供额外的保护措施。 Fǎlǜ duì tèshū qúntǐ tígōng éwài de bǎohù cuòshī. The law provides additional protection for special groups.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
特殊情况	special circumstances
特殊原因	special reasons
特殊性质	special nature/properties
特殊群体	special groups (e.g., disabled people)
特殊待遇	special treatment
特殊贡献	exceptional contribution

Usage Notes

特殊 and 特别 both mean "special," but they differ in usage. 特殊 focuses on being different from the norm or having unique properties that set something apart -- often with a more formal or technical tone. 特别, on the other hand, can also function as an adverb (especially/particularly), which 特殊 cannot.

When talking about special circumstances, requirements, or properties in formal contexts (medical, legal, scientific), 特殊 is preferred. For expressing "especially" or "very," use 特别. For instance: 特殊情况 (special circumstances) vs. 特别重要 (especially important).

Memory Hook

特 = special (stands out from the rest), 殊 = different/outstanding -- both characters independently mean "special and different" -- doubly exceptional.