Translation guide
The English word "especially" is used to single out something as more important, more true, or more relevant than others. In Japanese, this idea is expressed through adverbs, particles, and sentence patterns rather than a single direct equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you are emphasizing a particular item, highlighting a reason, or making a comparison.
You want to say that something is particularly true or important in a specific case, often within a broader context.
The most common and versatile translation. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese to mean 'especially' or 'particularly'.
私は特にこの映画が好きです。
I especially like this movie.
今日は特に暑い。
It's especially hot today.
Similar to 特に but slightly more formal and emphatic. Often used in writing or careful speech.
この問題はとりわけ重要だ。
This issue is especially important.
A more literary or formal equivalent of 特に. Rare in everyday conversation.
殊に春の景色は美しい。
The spring scenery is especially beautiful.
You want to highlight that something is done or true specifically because of a certain reason.
Use 特に with から (because) to mean 'especially because'. This pattern clearly links the emphasis to a reason.
特に彼が来るから、準備をしっかりしよう。
Let's prepare thoroughly, especially because he's coming.
Attached to a noun or reason, it means 'precisely because' or 'especially because'. It implies that the reason makes the situation more significant.
期待していただけに、失望も大きかった。
Especially because I had high expectations, the disappointment was great.
You want to point out one member of a group as being notably different or more relevant.
Literally 'among them', used to single out one thing from a group. Very natural in conversation.
果物の中でも、特にイチゴが好きです。
Among fruits, I especially like strawberries.
彼の作品はどれも良いが、中でもこの小説が素晴らしい。
All his works are good, but this novel is especially wonderful.
The topic particle は can imply 'especially' by contrasting one thing with others. Often used with 特に for clarity.
夏は特にビールが美味しい。
Beer is especially delicious in summer.
You want to downplay something or say it's not particularly the case.
The standard way to say 'not especially'. 特に is used with a negative verb or adjective.
今日は特に忙しくない。
I'm not especially busy today.
特に問題はない。
There's no particular problem.
More casual and often used to mean 'not really' or 'not especially'. Can sound dismissive.
別に行きたくない。
I don't especially want to go.
Both mean 'especially', but とりわけ is more emphatic and formal. 特に is safe for most situations. Use とりわけ in writing or when you want to stress exceptionality.
この店の料理はどれも美味しいが、とりわけラーメンが絶品だ。
All the dishes at this restaurant are delicious, but the ramen is especially exquisite.
The word 特別に (tokubetsu ni) means 'specially' in the sense of 'for a special purpose' or 'exceptionally', not 'especially' as an intensifier. Using it to translate 'especially' often sounds unnatural.
✕ 私は特別にこの映画が好きです。
Intended: I especially like this movie. (Unnatural)
○ 私は特にこの映画が好きです。
I especially like this movie. (Natural)
私は動物全般が好きですが、特に猫が好きです。
I like all animals, especially cats.
水分補給は大切です。特に夏は重要です。
It's important to stay hydrated, especially in summer.
今夜は特に出かけたくない。
I don't especially want to go out tonight.