It’s very important to practice sentences with new vocabulary. Practice full sentences until you memorize and understand the content.
“特别 (tèbié)” is a very important and very common word in Chinese 👍
Let’s break it down so it really sticks.
1️⃣ Core meaning of 特别 (tèbié)
特别 = special / especially / very / particularly
It’s flexible and used all the time in daily Mandarin.
2️⃣ How it’s used (3 main ways)
✅ A. As an adverb → especially / very
Placed before adjectives or verbs.
- 我特别喜欢你。
I especially like you. - 今天特别冷。
Today is especially cold. - 他特别忙。
He’s very busy.
🧠 Tip:
特别 + adjective/verb = stronger feeling
✅ B. As an adjective → special
Used before a noun.
- 这是一个特别的日子。
This is a special day. - 她对我来说很特别。
She is very special to me.
✅ C. Emphasis in spoken Chinese
Often used to stress emotion.
- 我今天特别累。
I’m REALLY tired today. - 这家店特别好吃。
This place is especially delicious.
Native speakers use 特别 naturally instead of “very” a lot.
3️⃣ Compare with similar words
| Word | Meaning | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 很 | very | normal |
| 非常 | extremely | strong |
| 特别 | especially / very | emotional, natural |
| 太 | too / really | casual, spoken |
Example:
- 特别好 → feels more personal and expressive
- 很好 → neutral
4️⃣ Pronunciation tips
特别 (tè-bié)
- 特 → 4th tone (sharp, falling)
- 别 → 2nd tone (rising)
Say it like:
tè ↘ bié ↗
5️⃣ Daily-use practice sentences (with emotion)
Since you like practicing expressive Mandarin:
- 我今天特别开心。 😄
- 开始变冷了，今天特别冷。
- 见到你我特别高兴。
- 这件事对我特别重要。
6️⃣ One native-speaker shortcut to remember
If in English you would say “really”, “especially”, or “so”,
👉 特别 usually fits perfectly.