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March 24, 2026
特别(特別)tèbié(te4bie2)
特别 (tèbié) means 'especially' or 'special' and is used to highlight something that stands out or is different from the usual. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express emphasis on a particular quality or characteristic.
Strokes17Frequency#465DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'special' often relates to personal relationships, such as giving special treatment to friends or family during gatherings and celebrations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a special character (特别) that has a unique 'te' (特) twist to it. Picture a 'big' (别) star shining brightly, signifying something that is particularly special or unusual.
Meanings of 特别
tèbié(te4bie2)
1especially
2special
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 特别
特别Simplified
特別Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#465Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 特别
Podcast: 特别
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AI Study Notes for 特别
Quick Contrast
特别 (tèbié) vs 尤其 (yóuqí) — use 特别 for emphasizing a distinct quality, while 尤其 is better for highlighting specific examples or instances.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use the correct tone, as the first character '特' (tè) has a falling tone, while '别' (bié) has a rising tone. It's often used in phrases like '特别好' (tèbié hǎo) meaning 'especially good.'
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 3 HSK word, 特别 connects well with other adjectives and adverbs to describe qualities. Focus on using it to describe feelings or objects, enhancing your descriptive vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse 特别 with 特色 (tèsè), which means 'characteristic.' For example, saying '这件衣服特别' (This piece of clothing is special) without context is vague; it's better to specify what makes it special.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 特别
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特别 (tèbié) means 'especially' or 'special' and is used to highlight something that stands out or is different from the usual. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express emphasis on a particular quality or characteristic.
When to use 特别
Be careful to use the correct tone, as the first character '特' (tè) has a falling tone, while '别' (bié) has a rising tone. It's often used in phrases like '特别好' (tèbié hǎo) meaning 'especially good.'
特别 or something close to it
特别 (tèbié) vs 尤其 (yóuqí) — use 特别 for emphasizing a distinct quality, while 尤其 is better for highlighting specific examples or instances.
What learners get wrong
Many learners confuse 特别 with 特色 (tèsè), which means 'characteristic.' For example, saying '这件衣服特别' (This piece of clothing is special) without context is vague; it's better to specify what makes it special.
Write 特别
特
别
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Grammar Patterns of 特别
特别 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
