Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Especially" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "especially", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
特に
とくに (tokuni)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とりわけ
とりわけ (toriwake)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "especially" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 特に and とりわけ.
In Japanese, 特に (とくに (tokuni)) is typically associated with "especially; particularly" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents ある事柄が他のものと比べて際立っていること、または強調したいときに使います。副詞です。.
On the other hand, とりわけ (とりわけ (toriwake)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "especially" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "特に"
私は特に甘いものが好きです。
I especially like sweets.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ 甘いものが好きです。" (Meaning: "I especially like sweets.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "特に" fits here because it means "especially; particularly" in the context of: "I especially like sweets.". "とりわけ" represents "especially, above all, particularly".