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
取り分け
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 取り分け.
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, 取り分け (とりわけ (toriwake)) maps to "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。. 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 "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.
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.". "取り分け" represents "especially; above all; particularly".