JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “特に” and “別に”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “特とくに“ and “別べつに“
2. 特とくに
3. 別べつに
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Article
8. Comment

Q: “Is it okay to use ”特とくに” and ”別べつに” interchangeably?”

A: Let’s start by briefly comparing the meanings of these two.

“特とくに” means “particularly different from normal, something is special”, and it’s used when distinguishing between A and B.

On the other hand, “別べつに” means “it’s not necessary to specifically mention it” or “it’s not anything special”, and it’s generally used with a negative form.

Now, let’s delve into the meanings with some example sentences.

特とくに (JLPT N4)

[特とくにNは～だ]
This is used when comparing similar things, particularly emphasizing one that stands out.

[Examples]
今年ことしの夏なつは特とくに暑あつかったですね。
This summer was particularly hot, wasn’t it?
⇒ This expresses that compared to other summers, this one was exceptionally hot.
　
このクラスの学生がくせいは日本にほん語ごが上手じょうずだけど、特とくにトーマスさんの日本にほん語ごはすばらしいです。
The students in this class are all good at Japanese, but Thomas’s Japanese, in particular, is excellent.
⇒ This indicates that among the students who are all good, Thomas stands out with exceptional Japanese skills.

別べつに (JLPT N3)

[別べつに～ない]
When used with a negative form, it indicates that there’s nothing particularly important to mention.

[Examples]
A：今日きょう、何なにか用事ようじある？
B：別べつに（用事ようじは）ないよ。
A: Do you have any plans today?
B: Not really, no plans in particular.
⇒ This expresses that there’s nothing particularly important to convey regarding plans.

A: 「もしもし？ ゆみさん、元気げんき？」
B: 「うん、元気げんきだよ。どうしたの？」
A: 「別べつに何なにもないんだけど、元気げんきかなと思おもって。」
A: Hello? Yumi, how are you?
B: Hi, I’m good. What’s up?
A: Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing.
⇒ This indicates that there’s nothing particularly important to convey, just a casual check-in to see how Yumi is doing.

Let’s Compare

In fact, “特とくに” is often used with a negative form, and there isn’t a significant difference when rephrased.

[Example]
◯ 特とくに用事ようじもないし、今日きょうはうちでゲームしよう。
◯ 別べつに用事ようじもないし、今日きょうはうちでゲームしよう。
There’s nothing particular to do, so let’s play games at home today.

However, when the speaker strongly holds negative feelings, using “別べつに～ない” does enhance the negative nuance.

[Example]
あんなやつ、別べつに好すきじゃないし。
I don’t particularly like that guy.

こんなまずいもの、別べつに食たべなくてもいいよ。
I don’t need to eat something this terrible.

「別べつに」＝ “not interested” or “doesn’t matter”！？

Since “別べつに” is primarily used with the negative form, it may convey a negative impression to the listener.
　
[Example]　（in a work setting）
A：なにか質問しつもんはありますか。
B：特とくにありません。
C：別べつにありません。
A: Do you have any questions?
B: No, nothing in particular.
C: Nothing really.

In this case, either response is acceptable, but using “別べつに” might convey a lack of interest, even in asking questions. Therefore, using “特とくに” would be a safer choice.

In casual settings, it’s common to respond to someone’s question with just “別べつに,” omitting the negative form of the sentence. However, when used this way, it can come across as cold, conveying a sense of “it doesn’t matter” or “I’m not interested.”

[Example]
A：学校がっこうは楽たのしかった？
B：別べつに。
A: Did you enjoy school?
B: Not really.

Summary

• “特とくに” is used to emphasize something that stands out as different or special from others, highlighting a distinction.
• “別べつに” is used with a negative form to indicate that something isn’t particularly noteworthy or important to mention.
• When “別べつに” is used alone, it can imply a lack of interest or that something doesn’t matter, so be cautious of its usage.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

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