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 typically used with negative predicates to mean 'not particularly' or 'nothing special.' When used alone as a response (別(べつ)に), it can sound dismissive or indicate indifference - similar to 'whatever' or 'not really.' The kanji 別(べつ) means 'separate/different'; 別(べつ)に literally suggests 'as something separate/special.'

core
Added 2026.1.7 21:54 · Revised 2026.3.5 22:53
01000/01132_betsuni