別(べつ)に

べつに
adverb
not particularly, nothing special
1. not particularly, not really
Used with negative verbs to indicate that something isn't special or significant. Often conveys indifference.
「何(なに)か食(た)べたい？」「別(べつ)に。」
"Do you want to eat something?" "Not particularly."
Common casual response
別(べつ)に問題(もんだい)はありません。
There's no particular problem.
別(べつ)に怒(おこ)っていないよ。
I'm not particularly angry.
別(べつ)に嫌(きら)いなわけじゃないけど、興味(きょうみ)がないんだ。
It's not that I dislike it; I'm just not interested.
「何(なに)か欲(ほ)しいものある？」「別(べつ)に何(なに)も。気持(きも)ちだけで十分(じゅうぶん)だよ。」
"Is there anything you want?" "Not really. The thought alone is enough."

別(べつ)に is an adverb used with negative predicates to mean "not particularly" or "not especially."

USAGE:

Almost always paired with a negative verb or adjective. It softens the negation, indicating that something is not special or noteworthy.

  • 別(べつ)に気(き)にしない: not particularly bothered
  • 別(べつ)に難(むずか)しくない: not especially difficult
  • 別(べつ)に欲(ほ)しくない: don't especially want it

AS A STANDALONE RESPONSE:
Used alone (別(べつ)に。), it means "not really" or "nothing special" and can sound dismissive or indifferent — similar to English "whatever" or a shrug. Common in casual speech, especially among younger speakers.

ETYMOLOGY:
From 別(べつ) (separate, distinct) + に. Literally "as something separate/special" — when negated, it means nothing stands out as special.

CAUTION:
Using 別(べつ)に as a one-word reply can come across as rude or sulky, especially to elders or in formal situations.

core
Added 2026.1.7 21:54 · Revised 2026.3.29 18:23
01000/01132_betsuni