synonym Comparative
特別
VS
破格
Differences Between "特別" and "破格"
Option A
特別
Meaning
special; particular; exceptional; extraordinary
Reading
とくべつ (tokubetsu)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
今日は私たちの結婚記念日なので、ホテルのレストランで_______なディナーを楽しむ予定です。
Today is our wedding anniversary, so we plan to enjoy a special dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Option B
破格
Meaning
unprecedented, exceptional, extraordinary, unusually low/high (price/treatment)
Reading
はかく (hakaku)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は破格の待遇でその会社に迎えられた。
He was welcomed to the company with exceptional treatment.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(special; particular; exceptional; extraordinary)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 特別: Refers to being special, particular, exceptional, or extraordinary compared to others. Often used as 特別な存在 or 特別扱い. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Special! "Haruka-san is a very special presence to me!" ...っ, T-To say that with such serious eyes! B-But you are my only special partner too, so stay by my side!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『とくべつ（特別）よ！『ハルカさんは僕にとって、特別すぎる存在です！』って…っ, 真顔でそんなこと言うなんて！…わかったわ、あんたも私にとって『特別』なんだから、一生離れないでよね！』
- 破格: Refers to something that deviates significantly from the norm, often in a surprisingly positive or advantageous way (e.g., a special discount, exceptional talent). Can also mean extremely high or low price/treatment. (通常から著しく逸脱していること、特に驚くほど良い方向や有利な方向に逸脱していることを指します（例：特別な割引、並外れた才能）。また、非常に高いまたは安い価格や待遇を意味することもあります。)
- 特別: Refers to being special, particular, exceptional, or extraordinary compared to others. Often used as 特別な存在 or 特別扱い. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Special! "Haruka-san is a very special presence to me!" ...っ, T-To say that with such serious eyes! B-But you are my only special partner too, so stay by my side!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『とくべつ（特別）よ！『ハルカさんは僕にとって、特別すぎる存在です！』って…っ, 真顔でそんなこと言うなんて！…わかったわ、あんたも私にとって『特別』なんだから、一生離れないでよね！』
- 破格: Refers to something that deviates significantly from the norm, often in a surprisingly positive or advantageous way (e.g., a special discount, exceptional talent). Can also mean extremely high or low price/treatment. (通常から著しく逸脱していること、特に驚くほど良い方向や有利な方向に逸脱していることを指します（例：特別な割引、並外れた才能）。また、非常に高いまたは安い価格や待遇を意味することもあります。)
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