とっておき
とっておき
noun, adjective (no)
prized, saved for a special occasion
1.
something prized, saved for a special occasion
Something kept in reserve because it is special or valuable, intended to be used or shared at just the right moment.
とっておきのワインを開けた。
I opened a special bottle of wine I had been saving.
とっておきの場所を教えてあげる。
I'll tell you about a special place I know.
誕生日のために、とっておきのプレゼントを用意しておいた。
I had prepared a special present for the birthday.
とっておき describes something specially saved or reserved for the right moment. It conveys a sense of personal treasure or secret knowledge being shared.
ETYMOLOGY:
From the verb 取っておく (to set aside, to save for later). The noun form means "something that has been kept in reserve."
COMMON PATTERNS:
- とっておきの + noun: a special, prized (noun)
- とっておきの場所: a special place (that I know about)
- とっておきのワイン: a wine saved for a special occasion
- とっておきの話: a story saved for the right moment
USAGE NOTE:
とっておき often implies the speaker is sharing something personal or exclusive. It is warm and informal, commonly used when recommending a favorite restaurant, sharing a secret spot, or revealing saved-up good news.