Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Especially" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "especially", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とりわけ
とりわけ (toriwake)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
殊に
ことに (koto ni)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "especially" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とりわけ and 殊に.
In Japanese, とりわけ (とりわけ (toriwake)) is typically associated with "especially, above all, particularly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to emphasize one item or aspect among others; similar to 「特に」but often with a nuance of selecting from a group..
On the other hand, 殊に (ことに (koto ni)) maps to "especially; particularly; above all" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Emphasizes a specific item or aspect among several, highlighting its uniqueness or importance. Similar to 特に, but can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or literary tone. 数あるものの中から、特に抜きんでていたり、重要であったりするものを強調する際に用いられます。. A literal translation of "especially" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とりわけ"
彼女は色々なスポーツができるが、とりわけ水泳が得意だ。
She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.
Bilingual Context for "殊に"
私は夏が好きですが、殊に夜の花火大会が好きです。
I like summer, but especially the night firework festivals.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は色々なスポーツができるが、 ＿＿＿ 水泳が得意だ。" (Meaning: "She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とりわけ" fits here because it means "especially, above all, particularly" in the context of: "She can do various sports, but she is particularly good at swimming.". "殊に" represents "especially; particularly; above all".