Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Especially" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "especially", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り分け
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 取り分け and 殊に.
In Japanese, 取り分け (とりわけ (toriwake)) is typically associated with "especially; above all; particularly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 多くのものの中から、ある特定のものが特に優れていたり、際立っていたりすることを強調する副詞です。.
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 "取り分け"
彼女は動物が好きだが、取り分け猫が大好きだ。
She likes animals, but she especially loves cats.
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: "彼女は動物が好きだが、 ＿＿＿ 猫が大好きだ。" (Meaning: "She likes animals, but she especially loves cats.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り分け" fits here because it means "especially; above all; particularly" in the context of: "She likes animals, but she especially loves cats.". "殊に" represents "especially; particularly; above all".