1.
particularly, especially
Emphasizes one thing above others or highlights a specific point.
特に日本料理が好きです。
I especially like Japanese food.
今日は特に暑い。
It's particularly hot today.
この点は特に大切です。
This point is especially important.
2.
not particularly (with negative)
With negative verbs, means 'nothing in particular' or 'not especially.'
特に問題はありません。
There's no particular problem.
With negative
何か食べたいものある？ー特にない。
Is there anything you want to eat? — Nothing in particular.
Casual conversation
週末は特に予定がない。
I don't have any particular plans for the weekend.
特に is an adverb meaning 'particularly' or 'especially.'
Position: Usually appears before the word/phrase being emphasized.
Modifies: Verbs, adjectives, and noun phrases.
[Register: Neutral]
With negative verbs:
- 特に〜ない means 'not particularly ~' or 'nothing in particular'
- 特にない is a common response meaning 'nothing special/particular'
Similar expressions:
- 特に vs. 特別に: 特別に means 'specially' (as a special case); 特に means 'especially/particularly' (emphasis).
- 特に vs. とりわけ: とりわけ is more formal and literary.
Common patterns:
- 特に〜が好き (especially like ~)
- 特に〜はない (there isn't any ~ in particular)