JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary – The difference between “特に” and “別に”
Table of Contents
1. The difference between “特に“and “別に“
2. 特に
3. 別に
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comments
Q: “Is it okay to use ”特に” and ”別に” interchangeably?”
A: They may be used in similar situations, but their basic meanings and nuances are different.
First, let’s organize the core meaning of each.
• 特に: Used to emphasize something in comparison with others.
• 別に: Used to indicate that something is not particularly worth mentioning (mainly used with negative forms).
特に (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
Used to emphasize something that stands out in comparison with others
[Rule]
特に + sentence
特に + noun + は ～
[Point]
“特に” is a word used to emphasize something within a comparison.
It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
[Examples]
今年の夏は特に暑かったですね。
This summer was particularly hot, wasn’t it?
⇒ It shows that this summer stood out as being hotter compared to other years.
このクラスの学生は日本語が上手だけど、特にトーマスさんの日本語はすばらしいです。
The students in this class are all good at Japanese, but Thomas’s Japanese, in particular, is excellent.
⇒ It indicates that among everyone who is good, Thomas stands out the most.
日本のアニメが好きですが、特にジブリ作品が好きです。
I like Japanese anime, and I especially like Studio Ghibli films.
⇒ It highlights one specific item that the speaker wants to emphasize among the things they like.
別に (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Indicates that something is not particularly worth mentioning or is not special
[Rule]
別に + ～ない (negative form)
[Point]
“別に” is basically used together with negative forms.
It carries the nuance of “not particularly” or “nothing significant.”
[Examples]
A：今日、何か用事ある？
B：別に（用事は）ないよ。
A: Do you have any plans today?
B: Not really, no plans in particular.
⇒ It shows that there is no particular plan worth mentioning.
A: 「もしもし？ ゆみさん、元気？」
B: 「うん、元気だよ。どうしたの？」
A: 「別に何もないんだけど、元気かなと思って。」
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.
⇒ It indicates that there wasn’t any special reason for calling.
別に急がなくても大丈夫ですよ。
There’s no need to rush.
⇒ It implies that there is no particular need to hurry.
Let’s Compare
[When used with negative sentences]
In fact, “特に”can also be used together with negative sentences.
[Examples]
◯ 特に用事もないし、今日はうちでゲームしよう。
◯ 別に用事もないし、今日はうちでゲームしよう。
There’s nothing particular to do, so let’s play games at home today.
In this case, the difference in meaning is not very large.
However, the nuance is slightly different.
• 特にない: There is nothing worth emphasizing.
• 別にない: There is nothing particularly worth mentioning.
[When expressing stronger negative feelings]
When the speaker wants to strongly deny something, “別に～ない” can sound more negative.
[Examples]
あんなやつ、別に好きじゃないし。
I don’t particularly like that guy.
こんなまずいもの、別に食べなくてもいいよ。
I don’t need to eat something this terrible.
These expressions often carry the nuance of “I don’t care” or “I’m not interested,” and therefore tend to sound more negative.
[Difference in business situations]
[Example] （in a work setting）
A：なにか質問はありますか。
B：特にありません。
C：別にありません。
A: Do you have any questions?
B: No, nothing in particular.
C: Nothing really.
Both are grammatically correct, but the impression they give is different.
• 特にありません: Polite and neutral
• 別にありません: May sound slightly cold or blunt
For that reason, in business situations, it is more natural and appropriate to use “特に”.
[When answering with just 「別に」]
In casual conversations, the negative part of the sentence is sometimes omitted, and “別に” alone is used as a response.
[Example]
A：学校は楽しかった？
B：別に。
A: Did you enjoy school?
B: Not really.
In this case, depending on how it is said, it can carry the nuance of “I don’t care” or “I’m not interested,” so caution is needed.
Summary
[特に]
- An expression used to emphasize something that stands out in comparison with others.
- It can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
- It can be used in both affirmative and negative sentences.
- The object of comparison may be explicitly stated or implied through context.
- It can also be used in business situations.
[別に]
- Carries the nuance of “not particularly” or “nothing special.”
- It is basically used in the form “別に + negative form”.
- It can also be shortened and used alone as a response: “別に。”
- Because it easily reflects the speaker’s feelings or attitude, it may give a cold impression and is generally not suitable for business situations.
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.
A. 特に
どの商品も売れていますが特にこれが人気です。
All of the products are selling well, but this one in particular is popular.
*The use of ‘特に’ is correct because it emphasizes a particular item among the products, indicating something special.”
A. 特に
やさいが嫌いですが特ににんじんが嫌いです。
I don’t like vegetables, but especially carrots.
*The use of ‘特に’ is correct because it emphasizes a disliked item among the vegetables, highlighting something specific.”
A. 別に
別にあいつに会いたくないから、パーティーには行かないよ。
I don’t want to see that guy in particular, so I’m not going to the party.
*Since the speaker’s negative feelings (towards ‘that guy’) are strong, ‘別に’ is appropriate.”
A. 別に
別にこんな大雨の日に出かけなくてもいいよ。
It’s not necessary to go out on a rainy day like this.
*Pay attention to the negative part ‘別に…出かけなくても’ rather than the ‘…いいよ’ at the end. Since the speaker’s negative feelings (about ‘this heavy rain’) are strong, ‘別に’ is suitable.”
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