The character 特 relates to special. Learn its readings together with whole words and see them in context.

The idea

Kanji may have native Japanese readings (kun) and readings borrowed through Chinese (on); learn a reading with its word. Learn complete words: 特別 (とくべつ) means special; exceptional, and 特に (とくに) means especially; particularly. 特 has 10 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
特別とくべつspecial; exceptional
特にとくにespecially; particularly
特急とっきゅうa limited express train

Examples

  • 今日きょうは特別とくべつな日ひです。Today is a special day.
  • これは友達ともだちへの特別とくべつな贈おくり物ものです。This is a special gift for a friend.
  • この店みせのパンが特とくに好すきです。I especially like the bread at this shop.
  • 今日きょうは特とくに寒さむいです。It is especially cold today.
  • 特急とっきゅうは次つぎの駅えきに止とまります。The limited express stops at the next station.
  • 駅えきで特急とっきゅうの切符きっぷを買かいました。I bought a limited express ticket at the station.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Use 特別な before a noun, but 特に as an adverb. In 特急, remember the small っ. Do not guess a word’s reading or meaning from the character alone: compare 特別 and 特に. Also compare the shapes of 特 and 持; they are different characters. Compare the components: 特：牛＋寺／持：扌＋寺.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 特別 in hiragana.

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    とくべつ

    特別 is read とくべつ and means special; exceptional.

  2. Write the reading of 特に in hiragana.

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    とくに

    特に is read とくに and means especially; particularly.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: ＿急（とっきゅう）.

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    特

    特 completes 特急, read とっきゅう; the word means a limited express train.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 特 from memory, read 特別 and 特に aloud, and make a sentence with one of them.