How to say "particular" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 特別とくべつna-adjective, no-adjective, adverbCovers 'particular' in the sense of exceptional or out of the ordinary — a special day, special treatment, something done specially for someone. When 'particular' simply means 'special', this is the word you want.
- 特殊とくしゅna-adjective, no-adjectiveTakes 'particular' as 'peculiar or unique': it flags cases, circumstances or features that deviate from the general run — the sense behind calling something a special case in explanation or analysis.
- 特定とくていno-adjectiveThe closest fit for 'particular' meaning one specific but unnamed person, thing or day — 'a particular person', 'on a particular date' — as opposed to just any one; it also covers 'designated'.
- 格別かくべつno-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'particular' as 'exceptional, especial'; it often works adverbially, 'especially' or 'particularly', and with a negative it gives 'not particularly'. For the plain adjective 'particular' it is seldom the word you need.
- 別段べつだんno-adjectiveChiefly an adverb used with negatives, where it gives 'nothing in particular' or 'not particularly'. Outside such negative uses it is seldom the word you want for plain 'particular'.
Choose 特定 for a specific but unnamed person or thing, 特別 for what is exceptional or out of the ordinary, 特殊 for the peculiar or unique, and 格別 or 別段 chiefly for 'especially' and negative 'not particularly' uses.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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