独 特(どくとく)

どくとく

na-adjective, noun

unique, peculiar, distinctive

descriptive

1. unique, peculiar, distinctive

Having characteristics that are not shared by others. Describes something that stands out as different or original.

彼(かれ)は独特(どくとく)のスタイルを持(も)っています。

He has a unique style.

この料理(りょうり)には独特(どくとく)の味(あじ)があります。

This dish has a distinctive flavor.

独特(どくとく)な雰囲気(ふんいき)の店(みせ)です。

It's a shop with a unique atmosphere.

Forms

Noun modifier: 独特(どくとく)の or 独特(どくとく)な + noun (both are common)

Common patterns

独特(どくとく)の雰囲気(ふんいき) (unique atmosphere)
独特(どくとく)な表現(ひょうげん) (distinctive expression)
独特(どくとく)の世界観(せかいかん) (unique worldview)
独特(どくとく)のにおい (a peculiar smell)

Watch out

独特(どくとく) only says "unlike anything else"; it is not automatically praise. 独特(どくとく)のにおい or 独特(どくとく)な味(あじ) can hint that the smell or taste is unusual and not to everyone's liking.

Similar words

ユニーク: unique, original (loanword; usually positive, often "quirky")
独自(どくじ): original, one's own (emphasis on independence)
特有(とくゆう): peculiar to, characteristic of (a group or thing)

Related Words

Synonym: 独自(どくじ) (original, unique)

Synonym: 特有(とくゆう) (peculiar to, characteristic)

Compare: ユニーク (unique)

Compare: 個性的(こせいてき) (unique)

Compare: 風変(ふうが)わり (unusual)

Compare: 無比(むひ) (matchless)

general

Added 2026.1.9 20:57 · Revised 2026.10.11 16:05

01500/01656_dokutoku