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
就中
なかんずく (nakanzuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "especially" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 特に and 就中.
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, 就中 (なかんずく (nakanzuku)) maps to "especially, above all, among others" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to single out one item or aspect as particularly prominent or important 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 "就中"
彼は果物が好きだが、就中りんごが好物だ。
He likes fruits, but apples are his favorite among them.
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.". "就中" represents "especially, above all, among others".