別(べつ)

べつ

na-adjective

different; separate; another

1. different, another

Describes something that is not the same as what was mentioned.

Let's think of a different method.

Modifier usage

That's a different matter.

Let's do it on a different day.

2. separate, apart

Describes things that are kept or considered separately.

Please make the bills separate.

Adverbial usage

Separate restrooms for men and women

Suffix usage meaning 'separated by'

I'll send the luggage separately.

3. special, particular

Used in certain expressions to mean 'not particularly' or 'nothing special.'

I don't particularly mind.

別(べつ)に + negative = not particularly

Nothing in particular.

「怒(おこ)ってるの？」「別(べつ)に。」

"Are you angry?" "Not really."

別(べつ) is a na-adjective meaning 'different,' 'separate,' or 'another.'

Special usage - 別(べつ)に:

Note: 別(べつ)の is more common than 別(べつ)な when modifying nouns.

As suffix: 〜別(べつ) indicates categorization: 年齢(ねんれい)別(べつ) (by age), 国(くに)別(べつ) (by country).

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